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taalibeh
Gambia
336 Posts |
 Posted - 31 May 2006 : 10:22:39
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| Of course Kobo. Hamat tend to portray himself as a clawn but he is very talented with a lot of experience in the tourism industry, he could handle that and many more ministerial posts such local government and land, external affairs,communications and many more and even finance. |
Taalibeh |
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kaanibaa
United Kingdom
1169 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2006 : 14:36:52
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| The man called Hamat Bah should be given due credit for standing up, in challenge of the junta in the early stages. It was scary for us average Gambians to do so .Now that we have reached the stage of action to oust the usurping regime from the seat of power and from our path to freedom, we can only thank him and those others who did the same. Yet ,we most keep crying out loud for the opposition all included /no one left out in that domain to join hands in this endeavour. As the wollof say the stone may be very hard but if a multitude of people spit on it ,it will be wet enough to break it apart.We most not relent , we shall not be moved just like the tree surrounded by the water we shall not be move, they are our leaders1 let them pay us heed |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2006 : 17:34:25
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| In my opinion am optimistic that the sky is the limit for Hamat. The prospects for Hamat to fullfill his dreams as President or Vice President strategically works this way if a dynamic proper alliance exists and come Election 2006 they became victors. Under NADDs MOU the flag-bearer's mandate expires after just a year as the enabling environment would be nurtured for all political parties to contest for the Presidency. I wonder whether any Constitutional provision is overlooked on the MOU as election of the Head of State is based on the Constitution and not on an MOU. However if that is going to happen as envisaged, UDP/NRP can overide all other political parties and can implement all their protocols as agreed inclunding Darboe as President and Hamat as Vice President just after a year. Furthermore it could be that Halifa is nominated as caretaker by PDOIS to lead for the flagbearer in the interim and reserving Sedia who normally represents for PDOIS as its presidential candidate. Hope am not wrong in my analysis? |
Edited by - kobo on 31 May 2006 17:37:49 |
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Galo Sowe
Sweden
116 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2006 : 17:59:17
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quote:
Originally posted by kobo
Under NADDs MOU the flag-bearer's mandate expires after just a year as the enabling environment would be nurtured for all political parties to contest for the Presidency. I wonder whether any Constitutional provision is overlooked on the MOU as election of the Head of State is based on the Constitution and not on an MOU. However if that is going to happen as envisaged, UDP/NRP can overide all other political parties and can implement all their protocols as agreed inclunding Darboe as President and Hamat as Vice President just after a year. Furthermore it could be that Halifa is nominated as caretaker by PDOIS to lead for the flagbearer in the interim and reserving Sedia who normally represents for PDOIS as its presidential candidate. Hope am not wrong in my analysis?
See NADD MOU at http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=209
9. Tenure of Office of Interim President under the Alliance
a) The interim president of the republic under the Alliance shall serve for one five year term of office only. He/she shall vacate his or her seat at the end of his or her term and shall neither seek nor support the candidature of any other person for the ensuing presidential election. |
"Soldiers are experts at camouflage but that is on the battle field not the political one, were transparency is the watch word" Kaaniba |
Edited by - Galo Sowe on 31 May 2006 18:01:03 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2006 : 20:43:41
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| Galo SoweThanks for the clarification. |
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Biraago
Gambia
173 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2006 : 20:57:55
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correction.
"Under NADDs MOU the flag-bearer's mandate expires after just a year"
a) The interim president of the republic under the Alliance shall serve for one five year term of office only. |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2006 : 08:13:12
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PART 1 - The Report as promised to be compiled for onward submission and/or transmission later to major opposition parties is herewith being posted for review and comments.
Overview
As an on-line member of “ Bantaba” fora http://www.gambia.dk/forums/ , I posted a new topic on UNP/NRP AND NADD ALLIANCES and declared an ultimatum by 31st May 2006; to seek opinions and resolutions in order to make a statement to address or resolve the impasse for the way forward between all major opposition parties mentioned on an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) binding them as a workable document and constitution on the need for forming a proper stronger alliance towards Election 2006, if they pledged and subscribed to its MOU and resolved to contests UNDER ONE UMBRELLA.
The responses and active participations were very impressive and by the 31st May 2006, we reviewed, made open debates and discussions on-line on all relevant political topics and issues; both current and/or previously exhausted through the files and/or archives of “Bantaba” systems. Normally we made quite a lot of brainstorming exercises and interactions through “Bantaba” open fora. In this regard we have reviewed certain relevant Gambian political education topics, pertinent issues on political and Gambian democracy, on or about activities of our politicians and the political leaders, the election process as it progresses on towards Election 2006 including recent by-elections, UDP/NRP and NADD, activities and progress of major opposition parties and its alliances respectively, scrutinized certain flaws, short-comings of the MOU and constraints, re-negotiations, sacrifices and compromises that may be necessary in order to constitute a proper stronger alliance, inter alia. Those open debates, discussions, logical and intellectual exercises gave us the opportunity to gather from wide ranges of sources; ideas, diverse opinions, various sources of information the facts, realities and information that are relevant, pertinent and/or note-worthy to dealt with, to assist us compiled and forward some of these sound acceptable proposals, good resolutions, strategies and interventions in order to resolve the impasse between UDP/NRP and NADD alliances, about the flag-bearer and effectiveness of MOU, to promote unity of the opposition parties for them to contest Election 2006 under one umbrella at this crucial time.
Congratulations to my fellow com-patriots as credit is due to them for their sincere and dedications to salvage the current political order and promote a proper stronger alliance as emancipation for the people inordinately by crises upon crises. In my opinion those at the helm of leadership appear not to pay heed to them or does it not bother them? I hope not because I am not sure about any appropriate answer to use or description of their indecisiveness? There appears to be consensus from certain patriots by these ways and means, suggestions and highlights being table as sound proposals for consideration; which motivates, convinces, appeals and appear to be acceptable and feasible for implementation at high level before nomination of Presidential candidates, amongst other strategic issues; as soon as possible.
Rather than making a statement I resolved to use my own initiatives (within my limitations and information available through “Bantaba” at the time), which may not be considered as a conventional approach of presentation of a document to address certain issues and/or programs; to incorporate and consolidate as collective efforts to address the way forward by these; relevant quotes, relevant extracts, certain ideas, sound opinions, reasonable comments, interviews and selected presentations and dissertations from renown Gambian intellectuals but not discounting others who participated and made this self-imposed assignment fruitful. I pay tribute to those dedications to provide us with adequate information, ideas, opinions and constructive comments about the Gambian political situation in our quests, efforts and strive to move the nation forward. It enables me to gather and consolidate as much information from what I considered as their representations and petitions under certain selected headings as below. However these representations and petitions could be translated as blueprints or benchmarks relative to certain precedents and political situations and appear to be valid to provide the substances and solutions for the way forward; in order to seek the resolutions to address the impasse between UDP/NRP and NADD alliances, as follows:-
1.People’s Alliance for democracy and development (Proposals for the way forward)
By Biraago – Political Analyst and commentator
Most conscious and concerned Gambians have for the past months been engaged passionately in trying to find mechanisms that would lead to our collective liberation from the current political dispensation and the socio – economic chaos that our beloved nation has found itself and the tunnel leading to mutual understanding, trust and confidence has been too long but the time has come for all of us to ease ourselves with the hardships of failure and open the door to success owed to the future generations.
The creation of the National Alliance for Democracy and development (NADD) was propelled by the fact that, our people as a nation are bleeding the horrendous cancer engulfing most African nations, translated in the form of political mal-governance, economic sabotage, social degradations, chronic corruption, cultural fermentation, and moral decadence after centuries of slavery, colonialism and dictatorship of various kinds.
The initiative for cooperation between the political forces to lead our nation as a vanguard institution under a common umbrella came from concerned, interested and motivated individuals who invited members of the opposition and transfer their noble initiative to them with the hope that they would carry this noble task in their best (positive) capacity and play the role that is expected of them, since they are the once on the ground who are seen as the leading well-organized forces in the Gambia’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
NADD was created as an Alliance of political parties as an organization of political parties with equal standing and equal representation with an MoU that is limited to only a five year term of office for both the presidency and the national assembly. A program of national rectification in all spheres of life is proposed to all members of the Gambian community both at home and abroad that would involve all sectors including civil society. Due to the fact that they couldn’t contest elections without becoming a registered political party because of the limitations in the national constitution and electoral decree, the Alliance was forced to register a political party composed of individuals all political organizations and contested National Assembly seats which the lost by virtue of the creation of NADD the party and they made great successes as a collective.
As usual, political parties came always be bugged down when it comes to who should lead them and NADD was no exception. This lack immunity to division caused by ambition for leadership shred NADD into two divided groupings and the newly formed UDP/NRP Alliance proclaimed a new strategy of a 1 party lead alliance under the UDP.
The litmus of both strategies and the level of consciousness of our people came on the 14th of match in the Kombo East by-election in which the ruling APRC retained its’ National Assembly seat after the sudden passing away of its’ former representative.
Many analysis and interpretations have been advanced by many commentators in various capacities as well as proposals for re-unification of the UDP/NRP with the rest of NADD in order to create a better chance of winning the up-coming elections as a united front against the incumbent.
After studying the experiences of the strategies and tactics that has been offered to different African countries by the democratic forces and their failures and success, I would like to share my humble thoughts with my fellow country folks.
Proposal:
Since NADD is already registered (tactically) as a Political Party by individuals from different political persuasion despite the fact that it was an entente between the composite political parties, we could all look into this factor as a leaver to diffuse the disagreements that are leading to a derailment of the urgency to self-emancipation and to collectively transform our nation.
After it’s launching, NADD was always saying to the people that, they (the people) should now make the party their ownership and that it’s success depends entirely in our collective effort and determination. The time has now come for all of us to put all hands on deck and prove to each other that, the national interest is paramount to our personal, organizational or sectional interest. That Africa and the Gambia are bigger and weighs greater
importance than any of us.
To be very practical:
We don’t need to engage people from outside to sole the discord as said by some as it is the duty of those who had already set the boll rolling to see to it that we reach the goal in harmony and collective success.
The NADD MoU and Code of Conduct should be the basis of future re-alignment but this should be amended to fit a new understanding:
The individual members should form the basis of the parties foundation and should function like any other political party from now on, with the political organizations (parties) that are to be a part of this collective should serve as guarantors and not the deciding factors. This could be a leaver to diffuse the struggle between the different political entities.
Leadership:
To give considerations to the guarantor political parties, their members should be considered in the deciding and administrative organs of the party on equal basis and members of civil society who are practically engaged in the struggle for the same endeavor could be invited to be functional in these organs.
As having been the greatest point of contention, a new approach MUST be taken without bypassing the above-mentioned principles.
My proposal is that we look into the fellow executive members of the various parties and member of civil society who has been active, are progressive and has the capacity to confront the tasks ahead. END OF QUOTE
Refer on detailed topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1038
Background information
Events leading to the rationale, advocacy and promotion of mobilizing resources and joining forces together by major opposition parties can be derived from these sources and other various highlights as follows:-
2.Extracts from NADD MoU Preamble
We, the undersigned representatives of opposition political parties, who seek to establish an alliance, are fully conscious of the duty, that wisdom and honour bestow on us, to explain to the people, from whose consent we must derive the authority to preside over the affairs of the nation and to generations yet unborn, the exceptional circumstances which compelled us to assemble and take these decisions that are here engraved or entrenched in this Memorandum Of Understanding
Refer NADD MoU at http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=209
3.Extracts from Tribalism and political history in the Gambia
By Dr. Sulayman S. Nyang Howard University
The collapse of the Jawara regime could well be explained as the culmination of many social and political crises which were not effectively contained or settled by the Jawara regime. If there was any serious debate among Gambian intellectuals through the press and in various fora around the country, the Kukoi Samba Sanyang coup and the Yaya Jammeh coup would not have taken place. I am making this assumption because I believe the leadership, both the government and the opposition, would see the negative consequence of a collapse of an embryonic but imperfect democratic order. Apparently, the government and its loyal opposition were not listening, and even if they were listening, they were acting on what they knew about the situation. ……………..etc, etc, etc.
Whenever logic breaks down, and we have difficulty dealing with serious and real problems of social and political life, it becomes an easy way out to resort to irrationalities. In the special case of the Gambia, parochialism in political life has a long and unfortunate history…………….etc, etc, etc.
Sectionalism based either on ethnicity or religion in Gambian politics goes back to the 1950s ……………………etc, etc, etc.
In concluding this brief piece on the ethnic or tribal question in the Gambia, I would like to say that the various battles fought over positions and privileges should be taken as lessons learned from the common past. In order to build a better and brighter future, the Gambians must learn a new language of inter-ethnic cooperation and competition. This is to say, they must learn to compete freely and fairly……..etc.
As Henry Kissinger said sometime ago, "Even the paranoid has real enemies." Let us remember this while working energetically to create a political culture of tolerance and goodwill. QUOTE ENDS
Refer on Dr. Sulayman S. Nyang’s paper on detailed topic under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=834
4.Political Education for Democratic Transformation of the Gambia
By Dr. Abdoulie Saine (Culled by Dalton 1)
At a time of growing political activism among Gambians worldwide, the need arises to both underscore and enhance political education in the Diaspora and in The Gambia to push further the country’s democratic transformation. There are at least two important reasons in the quest for political education for Gambians at home and in the Diaspora. The first is the need to create critical awareness of political phenomena by facilitating an open and balanced discussion and analysis of a range of opinions and problem-solving scenarios. The second is awareness, or increased consciousness of positive political values pertaining to liberty, justice, equity, respect for the law, and enhanced personal and collective obligations for the public good. ? It seems these trends in The Gambia and the Diaspora, as reflected in media outlets are on the increase and must be deepened.
Critical political education must be distinguished, however, from the more common Civics version that tends to support, reinforce and legitimate the existing political system in The Gambia and elsewhere. ? The latter emphasizes factual knowledge of existing institutions of government, while its teaching method(s) devalue the discussion of controversial issues such as the distribution of wealth and power in society. ? Most post-colonial states in Africa, including The Gambians have developed a hegemonic and an intolerant notion of political education based on a narrow state-driven/ elite agenda. It is used as an oppressive political instrument to further the official ideology of the state and the class it represents. This type of education has fostered dependence and authoritarianism and enabled dictators to prey on the poor and poorly educated masses.
In the best tradition of political education, citizens and in particular students are taught critical thinking skills, the relevance of historical context(s), provided the tools to assess information from different perspectives so as to arrive at a conclusion(s).Political education must also have as one of its central missions the cultivation of tolerance and the ability to present and defend ones position in a logical, precise non-abusive manner. ? Such education must also recognize that opposition or a difference of opinion is not treason. ? Citizens and students, specifically, must be educated to have an intellectual awareness of the political system and the inherently political nature of public life and relationships within the state. ? Ultimately, the quality of The Gambia’s future democratic culture will hinge on the level of knowledge and education its citizens receive.
Yet, it would be nave to expect the dominant classes, especially those whose interests the state represents to develop a kind of education that would enable the mass of the population to perceive social injustice issues. The media, together with other civic and opposition political organizations, and intellectuals must provide critical and when possible, alternative explanations to the prevailing official perspective/ideology.
Gambians at home and in the Diaspora (and especially those that live in the U.S., Europe and other democratic societies) must continue to cultivate in themselves and others the democratic values of debate and tolerance. ? We must learn to disagree calmly without necessarily being disagreeable; because to be insulting in a national conversation is to have lost the argument and perhaps your ability to convince and influence. Tolerance and respect for ideas and debates over ideas are democratic values we will need as we attempt to nudge Jammeh’s government, the opposition and The Gambia in a more democratic direction. It is these values that in the end would make The Gambia that we all love a more stable and economically prosperous place to live.
In sum, we must educate ourselves and others politically because education without social responsibility has little or no redeeming value. Thus, political education has to be committed to social justice and rooted in humility in order to improve not only ourselves and our families, but The Gambia and humanity as a whole. QUOTE ENDS
Refer on detailed topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=834
5. “……………….Which way forward?”
Dr. Abdoulie Saine has set an agenda. He laid down a formula for resolving the impasse within the opposition in order to succeed in unseating Jammeh and the APRC this October.
Let us put our weight behind this proposal and and push for its implementation by the opposition leadership urgently.
Ladies and gentlemen , here is Saine's proposal as Kayiatta culled from
All-Gambia:
How did we get ourselves into this Mess; the Opposition's Political impasse: Which Way Forward?
Abdoulaye Saine
Hamilton, OH, USA
May 23, 2006
The forthcoming presidential election of 2006 is a defining factor in the politics of The Gambia, bearing the promise of a choice of regime to ordinary Gambians for a new democratic dispensation under the leadership of a reconfigured new alliance between the NADD and UDP/NRP.
NADD was established on 17 January by five major opposition parties, which to this purpose signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in preparation for the October 2006 presidential polls. This was partly in response to the 2003 changes in the national constitution to a first-past-the-post presidential election process in place of the second run-off election option. Clearly, this electoral change favors the APRC presidential candidate, Yahya Jammeh. Also, growing political pressure from Diaspora Gambians in the United States, Europe and, in particular, Britain, beginning in 2003, perhaps earlier, contributed to the formation of NADD and its overseas official launching in Atlanta, Georgia in July 2005. A lot is at stake in the forthcoming October presidential elections; this against a backdrop of growing tension between the ruling APRC party, opposition political parties and political leaders.
The Commonwealth-initiated inter-party dialogue by the former Nigerian military ruler General Abdul Salami Abubakar did not produce the desired result of political reconciliation. The objective, among other things, was to get the APRC and the opposition parties to sign an MOU that would ensure regular consultation amongst them under the auspices of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). It was hoped misunderstanding amongst different party supporters would be minimized, and in doing so, reduce the prospects for political violence during the presidential campaigns and elections of 2006. This was not to be as relations between the government and the NADD continued to worsen, in spite of Jammeh's call for political reconciliation.
In July 2005, the NADD was dealt a severe blow when the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the ruling APRC and expelled from the National Assembly, Hamat Bah, Kemesseng Jammeh, Sidia Jatta and Halifa Sallah, all NADD executive members. The ruling party contended and the Supreme Court agreed that the four opposition leaders could not belong to the NADD, (a registered party) while simultaneously retaining their previous party affiliations and seats in the National Assembly. In the subsequent by-elections held on 29 September, all the NADD opposition leaders, except Hamat Bah, regained their National Assembly seats. Bah lost his seat amidst allegations of vote-rigging and intimidation. The NADD sued in the Supreme Court contesting Hamat's defeat.
On the eve of the by-elections, the NADD scored a major victory against the IEC (and by extension, the APRC government) for its decision to allow voters to only show an ID, rather than a voter's card to cast their ballot. The Supreme Court ruled in favour of the NADD, in spite of the fact that the courts as well as the IEC are generally perceived as supporters of the ruling APRC government. Despite the NADD's political gains, however, its fragile alliance, ongoing internal power struggles and selection difficulties over a presidential candidate, lead to its unraveling. In January 2006, Ousainou Darboe, an executive member of NADD and leader of the UDP, resigned amidst his allegations of "mistrust, "insincerity," and "hate" within the NADD's executive. The NADD's Chairman, Alhaji Assan Musa Camara, and a handful of PPP executive NADD members, including Musa Drammeh, resigned shortly thereafter and threw their weight behind the UDP. Meanwhile, Jammeh continued his control and use of the National NIA to repress the opposition.
A case in point occurred on 15 November, when the NIA arrested three NADD executive members following their criticism of the APRC government and President Jammeh himself. The three, (Omar Jallow (a.k.a. OJ), Halifa Sallah, the NADD's Coordinator and National Assembly member, and Hamat Bah accused Jammeh of political intolerance, corruption and mismanagement. The trio further challenged Jammeh to provide evidence that the opposition sought to foment discord/war between The Gambia and Senegal over Senegal's border closure. The two-month border closure (August-October 2005) resulted from President Jammeh's unilateral fee increase for trucks at ferry crossings into Casamance. It took the personal and diplomatic initiatives of President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria to resolve the border conflict at a meeting on 21 October in Dakar between the two heads of state. It also took the combined efforts of international and domestic human rights organizations and activists to get the three NADD executive members released. By the time they were set free on 13 December 2005, however, the NADD had been dealt a significant setback as selection of a presidential candidate was further delayed.
In addition, the daily interrogation of the three at NIA headquarters and their appearance in court used up what little funds the NADD had to launch it's eagerly anticipated rally to announce its flag-bearer.
Thus, while the formation of the NADD as well as growing international and domestic pressures on President Jammeh bode well for future democracy and security, a lot remained to be done before the October presidential polls. In addition to the issue of a standard-bearer for the opposition, the lack of a level playing field, a non-partisan and reconfigured IEC to allow for NADD representation, franchise for Gambians living abroad and the presence of international observers remained issues to be addressed. Financial support from the Diaspora to foot NADD's election bill also grew bleaker the longer its executive took to select its candidate. Amidst this political impasse and challenges, Darboe resigned from the NADD executive.
Darboe's resignation in January 2006, contrary to the pronouncements he made in Chicago in September 2005, following the July visit of some NADD executive members in the US, was another blow against NADD. It was also a disappointment to those who had worked tirelessly for a united front against Jammeh in preparation for 2006. For those who supported Darboe, however, the UDP leader had exhausted all options and was, in the end, left with no alternatives.
It seems Darboe's unwillingness to accept a process that could have lead to the selection of Omar Jallow as the NADD's presidential candidate, was the primary reason for his resignation. It also appeared, however, that Darboe had legitimate concerns about his political colleagues in addition to the legal basis on which the alliance was built. In the latter case, he was vindicated by the July Supreme Court Decision that expelled the sitting National Assembly members.
Also, the political fallout between Darboe and Waa Juwara spilled-over into and further muddied the waters within NADD. Yet, it seems that if Darboe had any prior indication that the selection process would have favoured him, it is probable that he would have remained in the NADD, in spite of his initial misgivings. Amidst the clamour, a UDP/NRP alliance was beginning to crystallize and shortly after the NADD announced Halifa Sallah as its presidential candidate. The UDP/NRP alliance, however, appeared to have already stolen its thunder and NADD risked being rendered politically irrelevant. However, this was not to be as the NADD's political rallies that were held in Brikama, Sukuta as well as this evening's gala in Louisville and yesterday's in Atlanta attracted considerable support.
For the ruling APRC and other sceptics alike, however, the split within the NADD had been predicted; an alliance of self- interested politicians, with divergent political views, interests and strategies, they argued, could never set aside their differences to help build and sustain an alliance. The split within the NADD emboldened the APRC, President Jammeh and his group of political pundits who seized the opportunity to further discredit Darboe, OJ and the other politicians. To Jammeh and his propagandists, the choice to the Gambian people was clear because the disintegration of NADD, which only a few months ago posed a major threat to his rule, made the presidential election outcome a foregone conclusion. Then the 21 March, 2006, alleged foiled coup and its theatrical aftermath gripped the country.
The events of 21 March undoubtedly shook Jammeh's confidence to the core. Apparently spearheaded by the military brass of the Gambia National Army (GNA), the alleged foiled coup was the culmination of The Gambia's deepening political, economic and social crises under President Yahya Jammeh. It also, without doubt, exposed the internal cleavages within the army as well as the APRC's dwindling support. More important, the alleged foiled coup highlighted the APRC's inability to reverse the country's rapid descent into the ranks of "failed states."
The coup revealed yet another crisis, however. This time, it is a crisis of confidence in the political process and disappointment over the splintering of the NADD. To the alleged military brass and their civilian conspirators, the split within the NADD ended what little hope there was to dislodge Jammeh in the forthcoming October 2006 presidential elections.
Where do we go from here?
For many Gambians, however, not all hope is lost. A UDP/NRP alliance and Halifa Sallah's selection as the NADD's presidential candidate sparked renewed hope for a new and stronger alliance. The Kombo-East by-election results suggested that the UDP/ NRP alliance alone cannot defeat Jammeh in October, even though the UDP/NRP appear to have supported their claim- that outside the ruling APRC, they are the majority party. And for the NADD, the prospects of victory in October appear bleaker. Together, however, a UDP/NRP and a NADD alliance could have won the Kombo-East seat. Thus, the two entities desperately need each other.
It appears that a carefully renegotiated new alliance between NADD and the UDP/NRP could spell victory in October's presidential elections. Against this political reality Gambians opposed to Jammeh's continued rule demand that UDP/NRP and the NADD to immediately begin talks in order to revisit/amend the MoU. Political leaders must also promptly reconcile their political and personal differences.
Clearly, the Darboe resignation and the alleged foiled coup, gave rise to a period of soul searching among Gambians every where regarding the future of The Gambia. It led to intense debate and discussion of various strategies and options that could serve as a foundation upon which a new alliance could be built between the two existing UDP/NRP and NADD political entities. From that dialogue and discussion by a politically diverse constituency of Gambians emerged the following proposals:
(1) Establish a UDP/NRP and NADD Alliance to contest the October Presidential elections;
(2) Select Ousainou Darboe or Halifa Sallah as its flag bearer;
(3) Establish a Sallah/Darboe or a Darboe/Sallah ticket;
(4) Upon victory, establish a government of National Unity with proportional representation in cabinet of all constituent parties; (It may not be unwise to agree, upfront, on the distribution of cabinet positions to avoid individual interpretation of "Proportional representation");
(5) The incumbent president and other political-party leaders can, if they wish, contest subsequent presidential elections; and,
(6) Establish two technical committees to iron-out the details, which when signed would be binding to all the parties. (Technical committees should be clearly spelt out prior to the re-signing of the revised/amended MoU).
The primary benefit of a Darboe/Sallah or a Sallah/Darboe ticket is the appeal it is likely to have on a larger voting constituency and reduce individual political vulnerabilities. In turn, this would positively showcase their collective strengths. A Sallah/ Darboe or a Darboe/Sallah ticket would also enable the new alliance to strategize, pool resources and effectively mount a campaign for the October presidential elections.
A speedy conclusion to these negotiations by June 30, 2006 is crucial because Jammeh and the APRC have been dealt a severe blow by the alleged foiled coup and, therefore, remain vulnerable, politically. Despite this fact, however, victory even with a new alliance is not assured and is daunting. Yet, this opportunity must be seized immediately. Furthermore, renegotiating a new alliance is going to require caution and tact as well as thoughtful strategies to reintroduce the new alliance to the electorate. Expected APRC criticism and accusations of "disunity" and "opportunism" within the new coalition, must be countered with strong and compelling arguments.
In conclusion, despite the political differences that divide the opposition, we must not loose sight of the common interest that we share- peacefully and democratically removing Jammeh, not a coup d'etat. All political leaders and parties, together, must begin a new chapter to engender healing and reconciliation amongst themselves and their supporters in The Gambia and Diaspora. This is the way forward and the only way to victory in October.
QUOTE ENDS
Refer on detailed topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1015
Leadership Expressions, Visions and Views of Key Players of Oppositions
It is very evident from the following sources of information available and relied upon at the time, that there are indifferences, various diverse opinions, different outlooks on political leaderships, visions and the way forward towards general elections 2006 and beyond; i.e. charting a new political order and stewardship post elections 2006 between the major political parties respectively. Based on our observations (may be valid or invalid?) amongst other things, appear to brought them on this crossroad of mistrusts, power struggle, leadership crises, disorientation, lack of common purposes and disintegration into two rival alliances or whatever they advocate for? In my opinion, strategically it is counter productive not to put team ethic and national interests before individual expression to settle the impasse between them.
6. UDP/NRP alliance Positions on leadership and visions
i.NEWS UDP/NRP alliance responds to concerned Gambians
By AllGambian.net
May 26, 2006 The UDP/NRP alliance has maintained that any arrangements with NADD must take into consideration the candidacies of Ousainou Darboe and Hamat Bah as presidential and running mate respectively. The newly formed opposition alliance was responding to a proposal from a group of Concerned Gambians to bring the fractured Gambian opposition to forge a unified front to contest the October 2006 presidential election.
While maintaining that it is open to collaboration with other parties, the alliance hinted that the NRP's performance as the second largest opposition party in the last presidential election cannot be ignored.
We reproduce below an e-mail exchange between Ebraima Manneh, senior Administrative Secretary of the UDP/NRP alliance and Dr. Abdoulie Saine on behalf of the Committee of Concerned Gambians.
Dear Dr. Saine,
We thank you for your email dated April 11th 2006 but which we received on Saturday, 20th April. We appreciate your interest in brokering a rapprochement between the UDP/NRP Alliance and the NADD. Ideally, having a unified opposition would help in our bid to defeat the APRC in the forthcoming elections.
We have studied carefully your ideas and it is apparent that you have not exhausted all the possible options. You have for example, left out Hamat Bah and the NRP which is the second largest opposition party and which came out third in the last presidential elections. We cannot ignore this fact in any arrangement that has to be worked out within the opposition ranks.
You will appreciate that we already have established the UDP/NRP Alliance and our two parties have chosen Ousainou Darbo as the presidential candidate for the Alliance and Mr. Hamat Bah as the running mate. Any arrangement with other parties would therefore start from that position.
We would like to confirm our earlier position that we are open to cooperation and collaboration with all other opposition parties that share whose objective is to defeat the APRC in the presidential and national Assembly elections
We thank you for your proposal and we hope that our own reaction could engender more ideas in this regard.
Best regards
Ebraima Manneh
Senior Administrative Secretary 18th May. 2006
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Dear Mr. Manneh:
Many thanks for your email and the response to the proposals I sent on behalf of the "Committee of Concerned Gambians." Also, thank you for sharing your reaction(s) to the proposal with the NADD executive. We are very pleased that the UDP/NRP executive took the time to carefully consider the proposals.
We sincerely agree that the proposals I delivered to you for your executive's consideration, were not exhaustive. In fact, the proposals were never intended to be exhaustive but were to instead serve as a skeletal foundation upon which the two political entities UDP/NRP and NADD could build on and possibly begin talks.
That you shared the UDP/NRP executive's response to the proposals with NADD's could, in the end, open important lines of communication. This was our primary objective. With regard to the specific party decisions and intricate party positions, these can be made clear when talks/ negotiations begin in earnest with NADD.
I am sure you are aware of the many proposals being floated around both in The Gambia and the Diaspora following the Kombo East by-election outcome. The call for unity from all political quarters has grown even louder. The precise character/modality for unity will be left to you, the politicians to spell out precisely. It is clear, however, that a UDP/NRP/NADD alliance could have easily clinched the seat in Kombo East.
As in all negotiations, some positions are not negotiable. I suspect Hamat Bah's selection as Ousainou's running-mate is one such position. Not withstanding, it is our belief that other strategies/ modes of alliance formation can be explored amongst your ranks. We will leave the details to those of you on the ground.
Again, on behalf of the "Committee of Concerned Gambians" I thank the UDP/ NRP executive for its thoughtful response to our proposal and hope that the NADD's executive will seize the opportunity to respond to your response to our proposal in order to begin talks soon. I will share this response to your email with the NADD executive as well.
Kind regards, Abdoulaye Saine
REFER TO FOLLOWING QUOTE EXTRACTED ADOVE
"May 26, 2006 The UDP/NRP alliance has maintained that any arrangements with NADD must take into consideration the candidacies of Ousainou Darboe and Hamat Bah as presidential and running mate respectively. " END
Refer on topic to read comments and reservations on this critical proposal under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC-ID=1053
ii. “Levelling the playing field”
Refer on Lawyer Darboe Reacts to Point Editorial under the following http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines844.htm
iii. Lawyer Darboe,s Interview
On interview refer http://www.gambiapost.net under “Bantaba” topic http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=534
7. NADD alliance Positions on leadership and visions
i. NADD Press Release: Declaration by NADD Flagbeaer
Refer on details on “Bantaba” topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=402
ii. Statement by NADD Flagbearer
Refer on details on “Bantaba” topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC-ID=984
iii.Interview with Halifa Sallah
Refer on details on “Bantaba” topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1030
Worst Case Scenarios amongst other catalogue of Jammeh and APRC corruption, terror, misrule and bad governance
i.Jammeh’s Speech (on 10,0000 solidarity march)
Refer on details on “Bantaba” topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=712
ii.Gambia: To kill All Jammeh’s Opponents (PART 1)?
Refer on details under
http://allafrica.com/stories/200606020438.html
iii.Gambia: To kill All Jammeh’s Opponents (PART 2)?
Refer on details under
http://allafrica.com/stories/200606020458.html
iv.Gambia: Jammeh Named National Press Freedom Predator
The Independent (Banjul)
OPINION
April 5, 2006
Posted to the web April 5, 2006
Baba Galleh Jallow
Washington, DC
At long last, Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh has been added to the infamous list of press freedom predators around the world. The international press freedom group, Reporters Without Borders, names Jammeh alongside such African despots as Libya's Muamar Ghadafi, Equatorial Guinea's Obiang Nguema, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, Eritrea's Issaias Afeworki, Rwanda's Paul Kagame, Swaziland's King Mswati III, and Tunisia's Zine Ben Ali.
Outside the continent, the list includes such dinosaurs as Cuba's Fidel Castro, China's Hu Jintao, Burma's Than Shwe, North Korea's Kim Jong-il, Syria's Bashar el-Assad, Laos' Khamtai Siphandon, and the Spanish terrorist group ETA.
The Gambia under Jammeh has seen the worst press freedom and human rights violations in the country's history. In the immediate aftermath of the July 1994 coup that brought Jammeh to power, almost all foreign journalists working in the country were arbitrarily arrested and deported without any charges. Among the victims of this early onslaught on press freedom in the country was veteran Liberian journalist and founder of the country's first independent daily, Kenneth Y. Best.
The arrests, detentions, and sometimes torture, of journalists by officers of the National Intelligence Agency - the secret police - have become a regular feature of Gambian life. On December 16, 2004, veteran Gambian journalist Deyda Hydara, editor of The Point newspaper and Banjul correspondent for Reporters Without Borders and Radio France International was brutally shot to death by suspected government thugs as he drove home from work Gun men in an unmarked Mercedes Benz cab drove parallel to Deyda's car, pumped five bullets into his chest and sped into the darkness.
The country has also seen a string of nocturnal arson attacks on private media houses such as Radio 1 FM and The Independent newspaper. The Independent newspaper alone has suffered at least three nocturnal arson attacks by suspected government thugs over the past three years. Last year, a new press belonging to the paper was burnt to ashes. Staff working at the press, who were forcibly locked in with the burning machine barely escaped with their lives. No arrests have ever been made against the perpetrators of any of these heinous crimes, including the murder of Deyda Hydara.
As at the time of writing, The Independent's General Manager Madi Ceesay, who is also the president of the Gambia Press Union, as well as its Editor-in-Chief Musa Saidykhan, remain locked up nine days after they were picked up by armed paramilitary officers. The paper's offices remain sealed and under heavy armed paramilitary guard. No charges have so far been brought against either the detained journalists or the paper, whose management is still at a loss as to the reasons for this latest onslaught. According to Gambian law, no person should be held for more than 72 hours without being charged with a crime. Also, no private property should be put under lock and key without the provision of a court order. No such order was produced to justify the closure of The Independent's offices on March 27, 2006.
The past few years have also seen the permanent closure of at least one private media house, Citizen FM radio and newspaper. Citizen FM radio was forcibly shut down on the spurious authority of a 1913 colonial law on the registration of media outlets. Observers believe that the widely popular radio station was shut down because it regularly interpreted the contents of newspapers in the local languages to the largely unschooled Gambian public. The Jammeh regime, which specializes in keeping people in the dark, hated the fact that Citizen FM was disseminating information critical of the government to large sections of the population who cannot read or write.
Since he seized power in a military coup in July 1994, Gambia's Yahya Jammeh has been a self-declared enemy of press freedom. He has been extremely scornful of human rights and assumes a monopoly on truth and knowledge that makes him particularly hostile to contrary views and opinions. He rules the Gambia like his personal fiefdom supported by an increasingly repressive and ubiquitous security apparatus and a never-ending pool of sycophants.
v.Speaker Bidwell cautions Secretaries of State
Refer on details under
http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines882.htm |
Edited by - kobo on 04 Jun 2006 08:41:56 |
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admin
130 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2006 : 16:02:15
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Kobo, Please add the following disclaimer to your text. Be advised that the contents of the articles are purely the opinion of the author, and do not in any way reflect my position or thoughts on those issues. Therefore, please consider this forum an uncensored, open "bulletin board" where people can freely and willing, without coercion, express their opinions.
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Bantaba in Cyberspace and/or persons connected with disclaim all responsibility for any damages or losses (including, without limitation, financial loss, damages for loss in business projects, loss of profits or other consequential losses) arising in contract, tort or otherwise from any material appearing on Bantaba in Cyberspace or names associated with.
It is not possible for the Administrators of these forums, or the Moderators participating, to fully and effectively monitor Messages that are submitted for infringement of third party rights. If you believe that a message infringes your legal rights, you should notify the Administrator or a Moderator immediately by means of email giving such information to enable the recipient to amend, delete or remove in its entirety the message.
This site may provide, or third parties may provide, links to other World Wide Web sites or resources. Because Bantaba in Cyberspace has no control over such sites and resources, you acknowledge and agree that Bantaba in Cyberspace, nor persons connected with, are not responsible for the availability of such external sites or resources, and does not endorse and are not responsible or liable for any Content............
Bantaba Admin |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2006 : 18:46:27
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| Admin Thanks for that disclaimer but do hpe that my approach is acceptable under "your open door policy"! |
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Biraago
Gambia
173 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2006 : 19:04:52
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Well done Kobo.
You have done a good resumé that could serve all of us as guidance to relect once again on the burning issue confronting our nation.
We shall try to recap.
Take care and God Bless you. |
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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2006 : 14:55:38
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Bro.Kobo or Chaloo,
Well done for your concern towards your country.This is exactly what every peace loving Gambian wants and despite my earlier comments about Dr.Sain,I still belief he is a "Jambaar"(Hero) and a uniter.His interest in the country's unity of our opposition parties is a step in the right direction.
Some of the things that still doubts me are:
(1)Now what should we do?
(2)If the opposition wouldn't listen to the wishes of the people and instead follow their individual leadership greed,should we not find another alternative?
Ousainou/Hamad alliance would not bow to the wishes of the people neither Halipha and NADD forgo their choosen candidate and join the latter.This is the reality
(3)Considering the above, what should the poor people do?
(4) should there be another new political party next election?
These questions should be thoroughly thought by all democracy and freedom sick Gambians for the opposition will never join hands as a common force against toture,oppression and brutality.I honestly don't think it is of any use trying to redraw a spilt water back into the bucket.
The opposition have shown us their true intentions and to me it is not safe to entrust them with our country.
How can anybody garrantee that once they merge against Jammeh and win they will not turn against each other thus bring civil strive or even encourage another coup?
Let me not be misunderstood here!I shall never support Jammeh for I am a Human Rights activist, but honestly one should no more trust these oppositions.To me they want to rule and not to wipe the stains and hardships faced by the poor sufferers.
GOD SAVES AND GUIDE THE PEOPLE OF THE GAMBIA
peace
Mankajang Janyanfara |
Edited by - Janyanfara on 05 Jun 2006 15:06:43 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2006 : 21:21:08
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Thanks everybody for your comments. Was working on an improved revised version for PART 1 now being posted for further comments before finalizing both PARTS 1 and 2 together by midnight "In saa ALLAH!".
"The Gambia National Anthem
For the Gambia, our homeland we
strive and work and pray,
That all may live in unity,
Freedom and peace each day,
Let justice guide our actions towards
the common good,
And join our diverse peoples to prove
man's brotherhood.
We pledge our firm allegiance,
Our promises we renew,
Keep us great God of nations,
to The Gambia ever true"
Try from this link http://resourcepage.gambia.dk/anthem.htm
Introduction
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To the full extent permissible by law under no circumstances will Bantaba in Cyberspace, nor persons connected with, be liable in any way for any Content, including but not limited to, for any errors or omissions in any Content, its accuracy, completeness, timelessness or fitness for any particular purpose or for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of any Content posted, emailed, transmitted or otherwise made available via this site.
Bantaba in Cyberspace and/or persons connected with disclaim all responsibility for any damages or losses (including, without limitation, financial loss, damages for loss in business projects, loss of profits or other consequential losses) arising in contract, tort or otherwise from any material appearing on Bantaba in Cyberspace or names associated with.
It is not possible for the Administrators of these forums, or the Moderators participating, to fully and effectively monitor Messages that are submitted for infringement of third party rights. If you believe that a message infringes your legal rights, you should notify the Administrator or a Moderator immediately by means of email giving such information to enable the recipient to amend, delete or remove in its entirety the message.
This site may provide, or third parties may provide, links to other World Wide Web sites or resources. Because Bantaba in Cyberspace has no control over such sites and resources, you acknowledge and agree that Bantaba in Cyberspace, nor persons connected with, are not responsible for the availability of such external sites or resources, and does not endorse and are not responsible or liable for any Content............
Bantaba Admin
Author’s Comment on “Bantaba” Disclaimer
Please be advised that the contents of the articles are purely the opinion of the author, and do not in any way reflect position or thoughts on those issues by “Bantaba” Administrators or Moderators. Therefore, please consider this forum i.e. “Bantaba”, an uncensored, open "bulletin board" where people can freely and willing, without coercion, express their opinions. “Bantaba” is not responsible for views expressed in the opinion column. The authors are entirely responsible for their own views, civic and political rights which they exercised under freedom of expression and ‘open door’ policies; with no intention to offend any third party mentioned occupying a public office rather held them accountable as public servants and the pursuit of justice and transparency.
Finally both user and service provider are covered by DATA PROTECTION ACTS. Under Data Protection Acts there are adequate legal provisions for protection and safeguards, denying access from third party use and/or disclosure of confidential personal data and sources of information. In the event of infringement of third party rights the legal rights available enables them to seek to amend, delete or remove its entirety the message from the website. Cyberspace is a virtual world and very easy to download information with un-personalized contacts and most of the character names are not true names but fictitious.
“In The Gambia we don’t have a monarchy but an elected person who should be the people’s servant and subjected to public accountability.”
Overview
As an on-line member of “ Bantaba” fora (whose contacts: admin@gambia.dk), I posted a new topic on UNP/NRP AND NADD ALLIANCES and declared an ultimatum by 31st May 2006; to seek opinions and resolutions in order to make a statement to address or resolve the impasse for the way forward between all major opposition parties mentioned on an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) binding them as a workable document and constitution on the need for forming a proper stronger alliance towards Election 2006, if they pledged and subscribed to its MOU and resolved to contests UNDER ONE UMBRELLA.
The responses and active participations were very impressive and by the 31st May 2006, we reviewed, made open debates and discussions on-line on all relevant political topics and issues; both current and/or previously exhausted through the files and/or archives of “Bantaba” systems. Normally we made quite a lot of brainstorming exercises and interactions through “Bantaba” open fora. In this regard we have reviewed certain relevant Gambian political education topics, pertinent issues on political and Gambian democracy, on or about activities of our politicians and the political leaders, the election process as it progresses on towards Election 2006 including recent by-elections, UDP/NRP and NADD, activities and progress of major opposition parties and its alliances respectively, scrutinized certain flaws, short-comings of the MOU and constraints, re-negotiations, sacrifices and compromises that may be necessary in order to constitute a proper stronger alliance, inter alia. Those open debates, discussions, logical and intellectual exercises gave us the opportunity to gather from wide ranges of sources; ideas, diverse opinions, various sources of information the facts, realities and information that are relevant, pertinent and/or note-worthy to dealt with, to assist us compiled and forward some of these sound acceptable proposals, good resolutions, strategies and interventions in order to resolve the impasse between UDP/NRP and NADD alliances, about the flag-bearer and effectiveness of MOU, to promote unity of the opposition parties for them to contest Election 2006 under one umbrella at this crucial time.
Congratulations to my fellow com-patriots as credit is due to them for their sincere and dedications to salvage the current political order and promote a proper stronger alliance as emancipation for the people inordinately by crises upon crises. In my opinion those at the helm of leadership appear not to pay heed to them or does it not bother them? I hope not because I am not sure about any appropriate answer to use or description of their indecisiveness? There appears to be consensus from certain patriots by these ways and means, suggestions and highlights being table as sound proposals for consideration; which motivates, convinces, appeals and appear to be acceptable and feasible for implementation at high level before nomination of Presidential candidates, amongst other strategic issues; as soon as possible.
Rather than making a statement I resolved to use my own initiatives (within my limitations and information available through “Bantaba” at the time), which may not be considered as a conventional approach of presentation of a document to address certain issues and/or programs; to incorporate and consolidate as collective efforts to address the way forward by these; relevant quotes, relevant extracts, certain ideas, sound opinions, reasonable comments, interviews and selected presentations and dissertations from renown Gambian intellectuals but not discounting others who participated and made this self-imposed assignment fruitful. I pay tribute to those dedications to provide us with adequate information, ideas, opinions and constructive comments about the Gambian political situation in our quests, efforts and strive to move the nation forward. It enables me to gather and consolidate as much information from what I considered as their representations and petitions under certain selected headings as below. However these representations and petitions could be translated as blueprints or benchmarks relative to certain precedents and political situations and appear to be valid to provide the substances and solutions for the way forward; in order to seek the resolutions to address the impasse between UDP/NRP and NADD alliances, as follows:-
1. People’s Alliance for democracy and development (Proposals for the way forward)
By Biraago – Political Analyst and commentator
Most conscious and concerned Gambians have for the past months been engaged passionately in trying to find mechanisms that would lead to our collective liberation from the current political dispensation and the socio – economic chaos that our beloved nation has found itself and the tunnel leading to mutual understanding, trust and confidence has been too long but the time has come for all of us to ease ourselves with the hardships of failure and open the door to success owed to the future generations.
The creation of the National Alliance for Democracy and development (NADD) was propelled by the fact that, our people as a nation are bleeding the horrendous cancer engulfing most African nations, translated in the form of political mal-governance, economic sabotage, social degradations, chronic corruption, cultural fermentation, and moral decadence after centuries of slavery, colonialism and dictatorship of various kinds.
The initiative for cooperation between the political forces to lead our nation as a vanguard institution under a common umbrella came from concerned, interested and motivated individuals who invited members of the opposition and transfer their noble initiative to them with the hope that they would carry this noble task in their best (positive) capacity and play the role that is expected of them, since they are the once on the ground who are seen as the leading well-organized forces in the Gambia’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
NADD was created as an Alliance of political parties as an organization of political parties with equal standing and equal representation with an MoU that is limited to only a five year term of office for both the presidency and the national assembly. A program of national rectification in all spheres of life is proposed to all members of the Gambian community both at home and abroad that would involve all sectors including civil society. Due to the fact that they couldn’t contest elections without becoming a registered political party because of the limitations in the national constitution and electoral decree, the Alliance was forced to register a political party composed of individuals all political organizations and contested National Assembly seats which the lost by virtue of the creation of NADD the party and they made great successes as a collective.
As usual, political parties came always be bugged down when it comes to who should lead them and NADD was no exception. This lack immunity to division caused by ambition for leadership shred NADD into two divided groupings and the newly formed UDP/NRP Alliance proclaimed a new strategy of a 1 party lead alliance under the UDP.
The litmus of both strategies and the level of consciousness of our people came on the 14th of match in the Kombo East by-election in which the ruling APRC retained its’ National Assembly seat after the sudden passing away of its’ former representative.
Many analysis and interpretations have been advanced by many commentators in various capacities as well as proposals for re-unification of the UDP/NRP with the rest of NADD in order to create a better chance of winning the up-coming elections as a united front against the incumbent.
After studying the experiences of the strategies and tactics that has been offered to different African countries by the democratic forces and their failures and success, I would like to share my humble thoughts with my fellow country folks.
Proposal:
Since NADD is already registered (tactically) as a Political Party by individuals from different political persuasion despite the fact that it was an entente between the composite political parties, we could all look into this factor as a leaver to diffuse the disagreements that are leading to a derailment of the urgency to self-emancipation and to collectively transform our nation.
After it’s launching, NADD was always saying to the people that, they (the people) should now make the party their ownership and that it’s success depends entirely in our collective effort and determination. The time has now come for all of us to put all hands on deck and prove to each other that, the national interest is paramount to our personal, organizational or sectional interest. That Africa and the Gambia are bigger and weighs greater
importance than any of us.
To be very practical:
We don’t need to engage people from outside to sole the discord as said by some as it is the duty of those who had already set the boll rolling to see to it that we reach the goal in harmony and collective success.
The NADD MoU and Code of Conduct should be the basis of future re-alignment but this should be amended to fit a new understanding:
The individual members should form the basis of the parties foundation and should function like any other political party from now on, with the political organizations (parties) that are to be a part of this collective should serve as guarantors and not the deciding factors. This could be a leaver to diffuse the struggle between the different political entities.
Leadership:
To give considerations to the guarantor political parties, their members should be considered in the deciding and administrative organs of the party on equal basis and members of civil society who are practically engaged in the struggle for the same endeavor could be invited to be functional in these organs.
As having been the greatest point of contention, a new approach MUST be taken without bypassing the above-mentioned principles.
My proposal is that we look into the fellow executive members of the various parties and member of civil society who has been active, are progressive and has the capacity to confront the tasks ahead.
END OF QUOTE
Refer on detailed topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1038&whichpage=1
Background information
Events leading to the rationale, advocacy and promotion of mobilizing resources and joining forces together by major opposition parties can be derived from these sources and other various highlights as follows:-
2. Extracts from NADD MoU Preamble
We, the undersigned representatives of opposition political parties, who seek to establish an alliance, are fully conscious of the duty, that wisdom and honour bestow on us, to explain to the people, from whose consent we must derive the authority to preside over the affairs of the nation and to generations yet unborn, the exceptional circumstances which compelled us to assemble and take these decisions that are here engraved or entrenched in this Memorandum Of Understanding
Refer NADD MoU at http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=209&whichpage=1
3. Extracts from Tribalism and political history in the Gambia
By Dr. Sulayman S. Nyang Howard University
The collapse of the Jawara regime could well be explained as the culmination of many social and political crises which were not effectively contained or settled by the Jawara regime. If there was any serious debate among Gambian intellectuals through the press and in various fora around the country, the Kukoi Samba Sanyang coup and the Yaya Jammeh coup would not have taken place. I am making this assumption because I believe the leadership, both the government and the opposition, would see the negative consequence of a collapse of an embryonic but imperfect democratic order. Apparently, the government and its loyal opposition were not listening, and even if they were listening, they were acting on what they knew about the situation. ……………..etc, etc, etc.
Whenever logic breaks down, and we have difficulty dealing with serious and real problems of social and political life, it becomes an easy way out to resort to irrationalities. In the special case of the Gambia, parochialism in political life has a long and unfortunate history…………….etc, etc, etc.
Sectionalism based either on ethnicity or religion in Gambian politics goes back to the 1950s ……………………etc, etc, etc.
In concluding this brief piece on the ethnic or tribal question in the Gambia, I would like to say that the various battles fought over positions and privileges should be taken as lessons learned from the common past. In order to build a better and brighter future, the Gambians must learn a new language of inter-ethnic cooperation and competition. This is to say, they must learn to compete freely and fairly……..etc.
As Henry Kissinger said sometime ago, "Even the paranoid has real enemies." Let us remember this while working energetically to create a political culture of tolerance and goodwill. QUOTE ENDS
Refer on Dr. Sulayman S. Nyang’s paper on detailed topic under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=834&whichpage=3
4. Political Education for Democratic Transformation of the Gambia
By Dr. Abdoulie Saine (Culled by Dalton 1)
At a time of growing political activism among Gambians worldwide, the need arises to both underscore and enhance political education in the Diaspora and in The Gambia to push further the country’s democratic transformation. There are at least two important reasons in the quest for political education for Gambians at home and in the Diaspora. The first is the need to create critical awareness of political phenomena by facilitating an open and balanced discussion and analysis of a range of opinions and problem-solving scenarios. The second is awareness, or increased consciousness of positive political values pertaining to liberty, justice, equity, respect for the law, and enhanced personal and collective obligations for the public good. ? It seems these trends in The Gambia and the Diaspora, as reflected in media outlets are on the increase and must be deepened.
Critical political education must be distinguished, however, from the more common Civics version that tends to support, reinforce and legitimate the existing political system in The Gambia and elsewhere. ? The latter emphasizes factual knowledge of existing institutions of government, while its teaching method(s) devalue the discussion of controversial issues such as the distribution of wealth and power in society. ? Most post-colonial states in Africa, including The Gambians have developed a hegemonic and an intolerant notion of political education based on a narrow state-driven/ elite agenda. It is used as an oppressive political instrument to further the official ideology of the state and the class it represents. This type of education has fostered dependence and authoritarianism and enabled dictators to prey on the poor and poorly educated masses.
In the best tradition of political education, citizens and in particular students are taught critical thinking skills, the relevance of historical context(s), provided the tools to assess information from different perspectives so as to arrive at a conclusion(s).Political education must also have as one of its central missions the cultivation of tolerance and the ability to present and defend ones position in a logical, precise non-abusive manner. ? Such education must also recognize that opposition or a difference of opinion is not treason. ? Citizens and students, specifically, must be educated to have an intellectual awareness of the political system and the inherently political nature of public life and relationships within the state. ? Ultimately, the quality of The Gambia’s future democratic culture will hinge on the level of knowledge and education its citizens receive.
Yet, it would be nave to expect the dominant classes, especially those whose interests the state represents to develop a kind of education that would enable the mass of the population to perceive social injustice issues. The media, together with other civic and opposition political organizations, and intellectuals must provide critical and when possible, alternative explanations to the prevailing official perspective/ideology.
Gambians at home and in the Diaspora (and especially those that live in the U.S., Europe and other democratic societies) must continue to cultivate in themselves and others the democratic values of debate and tolerance. ? We must learn to disagree calmly without necessarily being disagreeable; because to be insulting in a national conversation is to have lost the argument and perhaps your ability to convince and influence. Tolerance and respect for ideas and debates over ideas are democratic values we will need as we attempt to nudge Jammeh’s government, the opposition and The Gambia in a more democratic direction. It is these values that in the end would make The Gambia that we all love a more stable and economically prosperous place to live.
In sum, we must educate ourselves and others politically because education without social responsibility has little or no redeeming value. Thus, political education has to be committed to social justice and rooted in humility in order to improve not only ourselves and our families, but The Gambia and humanity as a whole. QUOTE ENDS
Refer on detailed topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=834&whichpage=6
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=843&whichpage=1
5. Option for an alliance proposal
(Culled by Biraan)
Issued by Musa Jeng – Save The Gambia Democracy Project (STGDP)
STGDP, once again is sadden that the coming together for a unitary alliance continues to be a challenge. As Gambians continue to look for a way out by coming up with different proposals, the political protagonist continue to either stay muted, or make statements that are not helping in bringing about reconciliation. The biggest cliché: I am open to the idea of coming together, is expounded by all the parties concern, as long as it is in their terms. As for all of us in the Diaspora, the very engine that was driving this locomotive of the alliance has found ourselves getting caught up in partisanship. There is total agreement that there is a need for the parties to come together, saying it thousand times more is not going to make it happen. There should be an honest and meaningful action from the players to give ourselves chance to broker a deal. It is paramount that coming together is fundamental, but most important is how we come together. This can have a direct impact to our chance of winning!
Below, is a proposal from STGDP that was sent to both NADD and UDP-NRP couple of months ago? As we continue to wait for their responses. All of us in the Diaspora, especially the very people that have a played a pivotal role in this effort should come back together and make this thing happen. Folks, months ago when the opposition leaders were arrested and taken to Mile 2, there was a phone conference attended by over sixty individuals. We were brought together by anger, frustration but also a belief that collectively we have to do something. I am appealing to everyone who was on that conference call, that we can make it happen and now is the time to at least play our last card.
We have been there at the beginning, and continue to go through the difficulties, the nuances, the political jockeying and have gotten to know the players. We can definitely give it another shot. Below is the proposal. We have tried to come up with something that will not only bring them together, but will also the how that can bring everyone on board enthusiastically to give us a chance of winning.
April 18, 2006
The Secretary General
NADD
Banjul, the Gambia.
After engaging Gambians all around the world, with all shades of political and partisan persuasions, STDGP has concluded that pursuing a coalition is an effort that cannot be given up on. The commonality that every Gambian that we spoke to has is that a coalition of opposition parties is the sure way of bringing an end the president Jammeh’s rule of tyranny. We went further and sounded party leaders from NADD and UDP-NRP, and there is still a commitment to a coalition as a strategy to contest the October 2006 elections.
Fellow Gambians, STGDP still held the belief that it is incumbent upon all of the players to give Gambians what they want – the opportunity to vote against tyranny. As we all begin to deal with the political realities with the NADD concept as a strategy to remove tyranny and replace it with democracy, STGDP refuses to give up and will never give up on the idea of a coalition and we hope our proposal and suggestions will be considered with honesty and be given your quick and utmost thoughts as time is running out on all Gambians hungry for change. We would still like to engage the opposition in finding a way out and a common ground that would give us the opportunity to build the forces of change through coalition of political parties.
This will be the proposed way forward to bring about a one team political opposition, which will run against president Jammeh in the upcoming October 2006 General elections. This proposal attempts to find a compromise, by dealing with what is regarded as the BIG ISSUES: who becomes the leader of this cooperation and under what political entity will this cooperation operates. This is not to say that these are the only big issues, but we thought it is important to highlight some of the critical issues. The political reality as it is, we have the NADD Alliance and the UDP-NRP Alliance. Both parties need to give, demonstrate flexibility and focus on the big price: the removal of president Jammeh. Below is a foundation of a frame work that can be a start up to bring the forces together and once again your utmost cooperation will be highly appreciated?
This new cooperation will exist under the entity of NADD/UDP-NRP Alliance, more like the Rainbow coalition in Kenya. Both entities shall remain independent with their political programs, platforms, manifestos and internal agreements. This will be a loose alliance out of which a candidate will become the presidential candidate, only to run under an INDEPENDENT TICKET.
A. The real focus of this alliance is a strategic move to contest the upcoming election with one presidential candidate.
B. Both the NADD and the UDP-NRP Alliance have already chosen a leader – and one of these individuals will become the leader of the cooperation, and by default the other will become the vice presidential candidate.
C. In each of these alliances are compositions of individual parties: UDP, NRP, PPP, NDAM and PDOIS. All of the leaders of these parties are to participate fully in this cooperation, and to play a vital role in the formation of a new government after the presidential election is won.
D. This is only cooperation between the two alliances, and will not address or govern other internal agreements within alliances outside of the cooperation.
E. As part of this program, the presidential candidate who will be running under the independent ticket will be one of the leaders from the two Alliances, and by default the other leader will be the running mate and the Vice president. In addition, under the arrangement all the other three executive leaders will hold cabinet offices in the new government to be determined by all the parties.
F. A constitutional amendment is recommended so that the president cannot dismiss as he wishes without the participation of all the leaders.
G. After one term of five years, the president, vice president and cabinet members can then run under their own party banners.
We are looking forward to hearing from you very soon.
Yours truly,
STGDP
CC: UDP - NRP
6. “……………….Which way forward?”
Dr. Abdoulie Saine has set an agenda. He laid down a formula for resolving the impasse within the opposition in order to succeed in unseating Jammeh and the APRC this October.
Let us put our weight behind this proposal and push for its implementation by the opposition leadership urgently.
Ladies and gentlemen, here is Saine's proposal as Kayiatta culled from
All-Gambia:
How did we get ourselves into this Mess; the Opposition's Political impasse: Which Way Forward?
Abdoulaye Saine
Hamilton, OH, USA
May 23, 2006
The forthcoming presidential election of 2006 is a defining factor in the politics of The Gambia, bearing the promise of a choice of regime to ordinary Gambians for a new democratic dispensation under the leadership of a reconfigured new alliance between the NADD and UDP/NRP.
NADD was established on 17 January by five major opposition parties, which to this purpose signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in preparation for the October 2006 presidential polls. This was partly in response to the 2003 changes in the national constitution to a first-past-the-post presidential election process in place of the second run-off election option. Clearly, this electoral change favors the APRC presidential candidate, Yahya Jammeh. Also, growing political pressure from Diaspora Gambians in the United States, Europe and, in particular, Britain, beginning in 2003, perhaps earlier, contributed to the formation of NADD and its overseas official launching in Atlanta, Georgia in July 2005. A lot is at stake in the forthcoming October presidential elections; this against a backdrop of growing tension between the ruling APRC party, opposition political parties and political leaders.
The Commonwealth-initiated inter-party dialogue by the former Nigerian military ruler General Abdul Salami Abubakar did not produce the desired result of political reconciliation. The objective, among other things, was to get the APRC and the opposition parties to sign an MOU that would ensure regular consultation amongst them under the auspices of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). It was hoped misunderstanding amongst different party supporters would be minimized, and in doing so, reduce the prospects for political violence during the presidential campaigns and elections of 2006. This was not to be as relations between the government and the NADD continued to worsen, in spite of Jammeh's call for political reconciliation.
In July 2005, the NADD was dealt a severe blow when the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the ruling APRC and expelled from the National Assembly, Hamat Bah, Kemesseng Jammeh, Sidia Jatta and Halifa Sallah, all NADD executive members. The ruling party contended and the Supreme Court agreed that the four opposition leaders could not belong to the NADD, (a registered party) while simultaneously retaining their previous party affiliations and seats in the National Assembly. In the subsequent by-elections held on 29 September, all the NADD opposition leaders, except Hamat Bah, regained their National Assembly seats. Bah lost his seat amidst allegations of vote-rigging and intimidation. The NADD sued in the Supreme Court contesting Hamat's defeat.
On the eve of the by-elections, the NADD scored a major victory against the IEC (and by extension, the APRC government) for its decision to allow voters to only show an ID, rather than a voter's card to cast their ballot. The Supreme Court ruled in favour of the NADD, in spite of the fact that the courts as well as the IEC are generally perceived as supporters of the ruling APRC government. Despite the NADD's political gains, however, its fragile alliance, ongoing internal power struggles and selection difficulties over a presidential candidate, lead to its unraveling. In January 2006, Ousainou Darboe, an executive member of NADD and leader of the UDP, resigned amidst his allegations of "mistrust, "insincerity," and "hate" within the NADD's executive. The NADD's Chairman, Alhaji Assan Musa Camara, and a handful of PPP executive NADD members, including Musa Drammeh, resigned shortly thereafter and threw their weight behind the UDP. Meanwhile, Jammeh continued his control and use of the National NIA to repress the opposition.
A case in point occurred on 15 November, when the NIA arrested three NADD executive members following their criticism of the APRC government and President Jammeh himself. The three, (Omar Jallow (a.k.a. OJ), Halifa Sallah, the NADD's Coordinator and National Assembly member, and Hamat Bah accused Jammeh of political intolerance, corruption and mismanagement. The trio further challenged Jammeh to provide evidence that the opposition sought to foment discord/war between The Gambia and Senegal over Senegal's border closure. The two-month border closure (August-October 2005) resulted from President Jammeh's unilateral fee increase for trucks at ferry crossings into Casamance. It took the personal and diplomatic initiatives of President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria to resolve the border conflict at a meeting on 21 October in Dakar between the two heads of state. It also took the combined efforts of international and domestic human rights organizations and activists to get the three NADD executive members released. By the time they were set free on 13 December 2005, however, the NADD had been dealt a significant setback as selection of a presidential candidate was further delayed.
In addition, the daily interrogation of the three at NIA headquarters and their appearance in court used up what little funds the NADD had to launch it's eagerly anticipated rally to announce its flag-bearer.
Thus, while the formation of the NADD as well as growing international and domestic pressures on President Jammeh bode well for future democracy and security, a lot remained to be done before the October presidential polls. In addition to the issue of a standard-bearer for the opposition, the lack of a level playing field, a non-partisan and reconfigured IEC to allow for NADD representation, franchise for Gambians living abroad and the presence of international observers remained issues to be addressed. Financial support from the Diaspora to foot NADD's election bill also grew bleaker the longer its executive took to select its candidate. Amidst this political impasse and challenges, Darboe resigned from the NADD executive.
Darboe's resignation in January 2006, contrary to the pronouncements he made in Chicago in September 2005, following the July visit of some NADD executive members in the US, was another blow against NADD. It was also a disappointment to those who had worked tirelessly for a united front against Jammeh in preparation for 2006. For those who supported Darboe, however, the UDP leader had exhausted all options and was, in the end, left with no alternatives.
It seems Darboe's unwillingness to accept a process that could have lead to the selection of Omar Jallow as the NADD's presidential candidate, was the primary reason for his resignation. It also appeared, however, that Darboe had legitimate concerns about his political colleagues in addition to the legal basis on which the alliance was built. In the latter case, he was vindicated by the July Supreme Court Decision that expelled the sitting National Assembly members.
Also, the political fallout between Darboe and Waa Juwara spilled-over into and further muddied the waters within NADD. Yet, it seems that if Darboe had any prior indication that the selection process would have favoured him, it is probable that he would have remained in the NADD, in spite of his initial misgivings. Amidst the clamour, a UDP/NRP alliance was beginning to crystallize and shortly after the NADD announced Halifa Sallah as its presidential candidate. The UDP/NRP alliance, however, appeared to have already stolen its thunder and NADD risked being rendered politically irrelevant. However, this was not to be as the NADD's political rallies that were held in Brikama, Sukuta as well as this evening's gala in Louisville and yesterday's in Atlanta attracted considerable support.
For the ruling APRC and other sceptics alike, however, the split within the NADD had been predicted; an alliance of self- interested politicians, with divergent political views, interests and strategies, they argued, could never set aside their differences to help build and sustain an alliance. The split within the NADD emboldened the APRC, President Jammeh and his group of political pundits who seized the opportunity to further discredit Darboe, OJ and the other politicians. To Jammeh and his propagandists, the choice to the Gambian people was clear because the disintegration of NADD, which only a few months ago posed a major threat to his rule, made the presidential election outcome a foregone conclusion. Then the 21 March, 2006, alleged foiled coup and its theatrical aftermath gripped the country.
The events of 21 March undoubtedly shook Jammeh's confidence to the core. Apparently spearheaded by the military brass of the Gambia National Army (GNA), the alleged foiled coup was the culmination of The Gambia's deepening political, economic and social crises under President Yahya Jammeh. It also, without doubt, exposed the internal cleavages within the army as well as the APRC's dwindling support. More important, the alleged foiled coup highlighted the APRC's inability to reverse the country's rapid descent into the ranks of "failed states."
The coup revealed yet another crisis, however. This time, it is a crisis of confidence in the political process and disappointment over the splintering of the NADD. To the alleged military brass and their civilian conspirators, the split within the NADD ended what little hope there was to dislodge Jammeh in the forthcoming October 2006 presidential elections.
Where do we go from here?
For many Gambians, however, not all hope is lost. A UDP/NRP alliance and Halifa Sallah's selection as the NADD's presidential candidate sparked renewed hope for a new and stronger alliance. The Kombo-East by-election results suggested that the UDP/ NRP alliance alone cannot defeat Jammeh in October, even though the UDP/NRP appear to have supported their claim- that outside the ruling APRC, they are the majority party. And for the NADD, the prospects of victory in October appear bleaker. Together, however, a UDP/NRP and a NADD alliance could have won the Kombo-East seat. Thus, the two entities desperately need each other.
It appears that a carefully renegotiated new alliance between NADD and the UDP/NRP could spell victory in October's presidential elections. Against this political reality Gambians opposed to Jammeh's continued rule demand that UDP/NRP and the NADD to immediately begin talks in order to revisit/amend the MoU. Political leaders must also promptly reconcile their political and personal differences.
Clearly, the Darboe resignation and the alleged foiled coup, gave rise to a period of soul searching among Gambians every where regarding the future of The Gambia. It led to intense debate and discussion of various strategies and options that could serve as a foundation upon which a new alliance could be built between the two existing UDP/NRP and NADD political entities. From that dialogue and discussion by a politically diverse constituency of Gambians emerged the following proposals:
(1) Establish a UDP/NRP and NADD Alliance to contest the October Presidential elections;
(2) Select Ousainou Darboe or Halifa Sallah as its flag bearer;
(3) Establish a Sallah/Darboe or a Darboe/Sallah ticket;
(4) Upon victory, establish a government of National Unity with proportional representation in cabinet of all constituent parties; (It may not be unwise to agree, upfront, on the distribution of cabinet positions to avoid individual interpretation of "Proportional representation");
(5) The incumbent president and other political-party leaders can, if they wish, contest subsequent presidential elections; and,
(6) Establish two technical committees to iron-out the details, which when signed would be binding to all the parties. (Technical committees should be clearly spelt out prior to the re-signing of the revised/amended MoU).
The primary benefit of a Darboe/Sallah or a Sallah/Darboe ticket is the appeal it is likely to have on a larger voting constituency and reduce individual political vulnerabilities. In turn, this would positively showcase their collective strengths. A Sallah/ Darboe or a Darboe/Sallah ticket would also enable the new alliance to strategize, pool resources and effectively mount a campaign for the October presidential elections.
A speedy conclusion to these negotiations by June 30, 2006 is crucial because Jammeh and the APRC have been dealt a severe blow by the alleged foiled coup and, therefore, remain vulnerable, politically. Despite this fact, however, victory even with a new alliance is not assured and is daunting. Yet, this opportunity must be seized immediately. Furthermore, renegotiating a new alliance is going to require caution and tact as well as thoughtful strategies to reintroduce the new alliance to the electorate. Expected APRC criticism and accusations of "disunity" and "opportunism" within the new coalition, must be countered with strong and compelling arguments.
In conclusion, despite the political differences that divide the opposition, we must not loose sight of the common interest that we share- peacefully and democratically removing Jammeh, not a coup d’ Etat. All political leaders and parties, together, must begin a new chapter to engender healing and reconciliation amongst themselves and their supporters in The Gambia and Diaspora. This is the way forward and the only way to victory in October.
QUOTE ENDS
Refer on detailed topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1015&whichpage=1
Leadership Expressions, Visions and Views of Key Players of Oppositions
It is very evident from the following sources of information available and relied upon at the time, that there are indifferences, various diverse opinions, different outlooks on political leaderships, visions and the way forward towards general elections 2006 and beyond; i.e. charting a new political order and stewardship post elections 2006 between the major political parties respectively. Based on our observations (may be politically valid or invalid?) amongst other things; what appear to brought them on this crossroad of mistrusts, power struggle, leadership crises, disorientation, lack of common purposes and disintegration into two rival alliances or whatever they advocate for, includes selfishness, greed, indecisiveness, inflexibility, lack of good political strategy and incompetence to deal with the current political crises that demands good governance, strong leadership, good politicians, accountability, stewardship and national interests?
It is incumbent upon all political leaders to take full responsibility for their decisions and actions at this critical stage of our political situation with many challenges that they are confronted with. There are high political stakes and national benefits at risks especially the General Elections now slated for September 2006 (3 months away) seemingly being lost already. However creating scapegoats is no solution. It only erodes their credibility, effectiveness and destroys morale. In my opinion, strategically it is counter productive not to put team ethic and national interests before individual expression to settle the impasse between them. On that note we urge you to use diplomacy rather than conflict as the best way forward.
6. UDP/NRP alliance Positions on leadership and visions
i. NEWS UDP/NRP alliance responds to concerned Gambians
By AllGambian.net
May 26, 2006 The UDP/NRP alliance has maintained that any arrangements with NADD must take into consideration the candidacies of Ousainou Darboe and Hamat Bah as presidential and running mate respectively. The newly formed opposition alliance was responding to a proposal from a group of Concerned Gambians to bring the fractured Gambian opposition to forge a unified front to contest the October 2006 presidential election.
While maintaining that it is open to collaboration with other parties, the alliance hinted that the NRP's performance as the second largest opposition party in the last presidential election cannot be ignored.
We reproduce below an e-mail exchange between Ebraima Manneh, senior Administrative Secretary of the UDP/NRP alliance and Dr. Abdoulie Saine on behalf of the Committee of Concerned Gambians.
Dear Dr. Saine,
We thank you for your email dated April 11th 2006 but which we received on Saturday, 20th April. We appreciate your interest in brokering a rapprochement between the UDP/NRP Alliance and the NADD. Ideally, having a unified opposition would help in our bid to defeat the APRC in the forthcoming elections.
We have studied carefully your ideas and it is apparent that you have not exhausted all the possible options. You have for example, left out Hamat Bah and the NRP which is the second largest opposition party and which came out third in the last presidential elections. We cannot ignore this fact in any arrangement that has to be worked out within the opposition ranks.
You will appreciate that we already have established the UDP/NRP Alliance and our two parties have chosen Ousainou Darbo as the presidential candidate for the Alliance and Mr. Hamat Bah as the running mate. Any arrangement with other parties would therefore start from that position.
We would like to confirm our earlier position that we are open to cooperation and collaboration with all other opposition parties that share whose objective is to defeat the APRC in the presidential and national Assembly elections
We thank you for your proposal and we hope that our own reaction could engender more ideas in this regard.
Best regards
Ebraima Manneh
Senior Administrative Secretary 18th May. 2006
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Mr. Manneh:
Many thanks for your email and the response to the proposals I sent on behalf of the "Committee of Concerned Gambians." Also, thank you for sharing your reaction(s) to the proposal with the NADD executive. We are very pleased that the UDP/NRP executive took the time to carefully consider the proposals.
We sincerely agree that the proposals I delivered to you for your executive's consideration, were not exhaustive. In fact, the proposals were never intended to be exhaustive but were to instead serve as a skeletal foundation upon which the two political entities UDP/NRP and NADD could build on and possibly begin talks.
That you shared the UDP/NRP executive's response to the proposals with NADD's could, in the end, open important lines of communication. This was our primary objective. With regard to the specific party decisions and intricate party positions, these can be made clear when talks/ negotiations begin in earnest with NADD.
I am sure you are aware of the many proposals being floated around both in The Gambia and the Diaspora following the Kombo East by-election outcome. The call for unity from all political quarters has grown even louder. The precise character/modality for unity will be left to you, the politicians to spell out precisely. It is clear, however, that a UDP/NRP/NADD alliance could have easily clinched the seat in Kombo East.
As in all negotiations, some positions are not negotiable. I suspect Hamat Bah's selection as Ousainou's running-mate is one such position. Not withstanding, it is our belief that other strategies/ modes of alliance formation can be explored amongst your ranks. We will leave the details to those of you on the ground.
Again, on behalf of the "Committee of Concerned Gambians" I thank the UDP/ NRP executive for its thoughtful response to our proposal and hope that the NADD's executive will seize the opportunity to respond to your response to our proposal in order to begin talks soon. I will share this response to your email with the NADD executive as well.
Kind regards, Abdoulaye Saine
REFER TO FOLLOWING QUOTE EXTRACTED ADOVE
"May 26, 2006 The UDP/NRP alliance has maintained that any arrangements with NADD must take into consideration the candidacies of Ousainou Darboe and Hamat Bah as presidential and running mate respectively. " END
Refer on topic to read comments and reservations on this critical proposal under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1053
KOBO COMMENTS ON QUOTE ABOVE:
That’s unacceptable and seemingly inclined towards absolute rubbish, total failure and doomed for the masses. QUOTE ENDS
SALIMINA COMMENTS:
Kobo, what is doom for the masses is also doom for any aspiring presidential candidate because in isolation no body would have the chance to make changes. QUOTE ENDS
SOMITA COMMENTS:
I only hope the so called politician can see you point Salimina. The fact is they don’t they are buried in achieving their own selfish interest and position that they only think about the masses when they realizes that they have to go through them to achieve their objectives.
My blood runs cold when I think of the poor farmers who are still not paid since January. That amongst many things is enough to bring the opposition together but on the flip side of the coin, is enough to show us that they are there for their selfish interest.
How much more suffering will our people have to go through .... I don’t want to think about it anymore QUOTE ENDS
DBALDEH COMMENTS:
Guys, it is really disturbing to hear the ultimatum that the UDP/NRP is proposing. In an open negotiation one has to be more flexible in every angle.
Many people including myself will be content with a Darboe/Bah leadership. However, under what conditions can this be achieved? You must be willing to compromise for our future period. I encourage all supporters to rally their people on a winnable formula else we are doomed for good.
God bless. QUOTE ENDS
BLACKBERRY 2004
Darboe has to understand that 50 percent of something is better than 100 percent of nothing. It is time for him to stop giving ultimatums and compromise for the benefit of The Gambia. Darboe/Sallah ticket or Sallah/Darboe ticket is the only workable compromise. He should not be hell bent on dictating the terms of the proposed alliance as to compromise is to give and take and not take all. He should demonstrate to every concern Gambian that he is not selfish to the detriment of the whole country. He should also be willing to stick to whatever he is a signatory to (as he has led us to believe). Darboe should also accept disagreements and criticisms (and not run away from the ‘heat’). As a leader of 1.5 million people, one should expect dissenting views otherwise one would be a dictator. Darboe’s actions, to tell you the truth, are worrisome as he is currently displaying traits of a dictator.
Please, for those who know Darboe, ask him to compromise; otherwise, he is no better than Jammeh. I do not doubt that Halifa (or NADD) would have a problem letting Darboe lead as long as he is willing to stick to the original MOU that he agreed upon. Time is running out!!! QUOTE ENDS
ii “Levelling the playing field”
Refer on Lawyer Darboe Reacts to Point Editorial under the following http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines844.htm
iii Lawyer Darboe,s Interview
On interview refer http://www.gambiapost.net under “Bantaba” topic http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=534
7. NADD alliance Positions on leadership and visions
i. NADD Press Release: Declaration by NADD Flagbeaer
Refer on details on “Bantaba” topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=402
QUOTES EXTRACTED FROM TOPIC:
“Today, marks the beginning of the final phase of the long journey towards the consolidation of NADD as an instrument for guiding the Gambian people to ensure that they are the architects and guardians of there destiny.
The evolution of NADD to become an alternative Government in 2006 has entered its most decisive stage
…………………confronted with shattered lives and or hopeless existence, those among them who have confidence in the creative powers of the masses must create the centrifugal force which is capable of sensitizing, mobilizing and organizing them to take charge of their destiny and be the architects of a new existence based on renewed hopes and aspirations.
Herein lies the reason why the vast majority is concerned with its survival, protection and development.
Our objective today is not to boast of success and achievement despite overwhelming obstacles and odds; on the contrary, it is to gauge the task that the current situation imposes on us in particular and the Gambian people in general with utmost exactness so that we can lay a correct strategy and a clear line of conduct at this turning point in Gambia's history to enable our people to make a big leap forward in 2006 towards democracy and development.
An Alliance Of Principle Not An Alliance Of Convenience
QUOTE ENDS:
ii. Statement by NADD Flagbearer
Refer on details on “Bantaba” topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=984
QUOTES EXTRACTED FROM TOPIC:
VICTORY FOR THE PEOPLE AND A DEFEAT FOR OPPOSITION AND RULING PARTY
The Kombo East By election is now history. History indeed is the teacher of the wise. Our duty now is to draw the relevant lessons from the experience
First and foremost, the results of the election are instructive. The APRC has 3665 votes. The combined opposition has 3923 votes. This means that the opposition is ahead in the counting of the total votes cast in all the by-elections. This is the first point to note. Why should it be noted?
The answer is simple. When we met to review the basis for establishing an alliance we all took note of the fact that the executive worked for an amendment of the constitution to remove the provision providing for a second round of voting so that the APRC could benefit from the division of the opposition. In short, where there is second round of voting all the opposition candidates may struggle to ensure that they prevent the candidate of the ruling party from getting 50% of the votes to pin the person to a second round. However, where there is only one round the combined votes of the opposition may be more than that of the ruling party but the total vote of each may be less than that of the ruling party. In that case the ruling party will win because of the division of the opposition. It is this realisation, which compelled the executives of the various opposition parties to form NADD so that President Jammeh will not win an election only because of the division of the opposition. The results of the Kombo East by-election have again confirmed the lessons we had drawn before forming NADD.
All opposition parties should take note. Let us move to the next point.
iii. Interview with Halifa Sallah
Refer on details on “Bantaba” topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1030
QUOTES EXTRACTED FROM TOPIC
Foroyaa: The subject of Discussion everywhere is the importance of unity among the opposition. What do you have to say to this?
Halifa: One thing that leaders cannot do is to teach the people how to win an election. On this score it is the people who are better teachers.
Foroyaa: What went wrong?
Halifa: That is obvious. A split occurred before we selected a candidate for the presidency. This created a split among the supporters.
Foroyaa: What was the cause of the split?
Halifa: You have to interview Mr. Darboe and Mr. Bah whose parties decided that it was in their best interest to leave: As Coordinator I worked very hard to ensure that we operated on the principle of unanimity. This meant that an individual party had veto powers. Hence no body could become a Presidential candidate without the approval of each of the Executive Members. In short, if Mr. Darboe and Mr. Bah remained members of NADD they could veto any selection of Halifa Sallah as flag bearer. No body’s selection could be imposed on any leader.
Foroyaa: Many people are saying that Mr. Darboe and Mr. Bah left because the person with majority support was not selected?
Halifa: They left before any selection was done.
Foroyaa: some are saying that they could have left because they anticipated that a person other than Mr. Darboe would be selected?
Halifa: I have made it categorically clear that the way the MOU was framed nobody could be selected without the consent of Mr. Bah and Mr. Darboe in particular or any of the Executive Members in General. Each had veto power to stop the selection of any candidate. In that event we should go for primaries and only the people could put an end to the impasse.
This is precisely why I rejected my nomination in the first effort and then declared that I was not interest in accepting the position of flag bearer unless it was accorded to me unanimously.
Foroyaa: What then is the reason for the split?
Halifa: This is why I say that you should interview Mr. Darboe and Mr. Bah to get their opinion on the issue.
Foroyaa: What is the way forward?
Halifa: First and foremost, the split led to the formation of an alliance, which tried to retain the original membership UDP/NRP. This has resulted in persons loyal to each alliance trying to use every explanation to justify its position. If there is to be unity, those who are to negotiate should know the position of each alliance. The similarities on the basis of which we can unite and the differences which need to be addressed to minimize the obstacle to unity. In my view, the first task to be accomplished is to get each side to abandon derogatory remarks against the leaders.
Foroyaa: Do you sincerely believe that there is a basis for unity?
Halifa: Those who are to do the negotiation should take note of the following development before we formed NADD. First and foremost, we recognized that each party had its legitimate right to put up its own candidate to seek political office. We acknowledged that if each did so there would be a split which could make it easier for the incumbent to win. We saw the importance of unity and questioned how we could get the supporters to each party to support one candidate and how we could win the confidence of the none party voters and the APRC supporters to come to our side. We recognized that we must get a candidate whom the leaders of each party could convince their supporters to endorse. Secondly, the candidate should be someone whom the party voters and the voters who currently support the APRC would be happy to endorse. We agreed that we will select such a person through consensus or through a primary. This is the first consideration.
Secondly, we decided to offer those who would relinquish their right to stand as a Presidential candidate concession. The first concession was to make the mandate of the Presidential candidate put up by the alliance transitional and short lived. In short, the person will not wield executive powers as he or she wishes. In that the Vice President and the members of cabinet will be determined by the executive committee of the Alliance on a proportional basis. Furthermore, the programs of the Government shall be that negotiated and accepted by members of the Alliance. In short, the other leaders accepted to surrender their rights to an executive that will also surrender its right in favour of collective leadership. Finally, the person selected would also remain neutral to enable the leaders who surrendered their rights to seek the mandate of the people for five years to do so in the next following elections on an equal footing, by not participating in such elections as a candidate or a supporter of any candidate. This is the political chemistry of the Alliance called NADD.
It is necessary for the negotiations to indicate what the political chemistry of the UDP/NRP Alliance is? What are they offering to help bring about unity?
Foroyaa: Would you be willing to step aside?
Halifa: I am a compromised candidate. My asset is my determination to serve. I accepted to serve NADD because I honestly thought that no party or individual in NADD had an axe to grind with me and that each of the leaders will not find it difficult to convince their membership that I will be a willing tool of the Executive in translating its objective of putting an end to self-perpetuating rule and empowering the people. However, I have come to see that my perception was not quite accurate as I served as coordinator. I am simply waiting for Gambians to tell me what role I Should play to serve them better. The options are many to me. In fact, as I address these questions I have received a call from the Pan African Parliament indicating that I should leave today as part of a mission to (have to deal with the crisis in that country. I have no special interest occupying any post in the Gambia. If it is recognition and respect I have enough of them; if it is money I would have accepted President Jammeh’s offer of Ministerial post 12 years ago. I am not competing with anybody for the presidency. Any day I am asked to call it a day, I will be glad to do so. I will dispatch my report on Darfur and my vision of the Pan African Parliament just to give an idea of what I am doing for African without hoping to be a President.
Foroyaa: What is your advice to NADD Militants?
Halifa: Leaders come and go but the people own the country. There duty is to enlighten, mobilize and organize the people for their political, economic, social and cultural emancipation. Let them continue with their cultural revolution to empower the people through songs, theatre, community meetings and so on so that they take ownership of their minds. This is the way they can decide who to put in position of leadership so that they can take charge of their collective destiny and ensure that it is a destiny fit to be claimed as their own, a destiny, of liberty, dignity and prosperity. QUOTE END
BIRAAGO COMMENTS:
A leader must neither be excessive for power nor arrogant. A leader must be chosen and not self appointing or imposing. Since the union is to give each a vote and a veto, then it is strictly advisable for each of the parties to rely on this in passing their wish before the union, rather than terror through self imposing-hiding under the tentacles of majority and attempts to rejuvenate defunct 'terri-kafo' lineage,” which appear to be undermining authority and effectiveness within both ranks of UDP/NRP and NADD alliances.
KAANIBA COMMENTS:
As for NADD/and supporters do not make it difficult for the process of reconciliation difficult by throwing thorns on the path. It will only make them UDP/NRP chose another path. “BULLEN WENGAL GAALGUI”
Please let reason prevail I beg you all!
The Independent Electoral Council (IEC) and Voting System
On voting system of the Gambia, we need to thoroughly scrutinize the IEC, its mandate, modalities, systems, integrity, short-comings, resources, administration, management and conduct of elections. Is it properly constituted and given the "Independence" in compliance with the Constitution? Why does the President have discretion, total control to manipulate in terms of hire or fire its Chairman and members, likewise Alkalos, Chiefs, key players and other authoritative political figures administering the voting systems?
I believe there are many flaws ranging from issuing ID cards, processing of birth certificates and other national documents, Voter registration as screening process is not properly conducted with manipulations by Alkalos, Chiefs and supporters in of APRC are recruited clandestinely to exercise total control in the process, Voter transfers reviewed in favor APRC, amendments and updates of the Voter register, Integrity and Independence of IEC, allocation of media time and T.V. programs during campaigning and coverage of rallies, security and role of law enforcement ages biased and openly manifest their support to APRC, lack of proper protection of the opposition parties by interference of Commissioner of Police banning most of their rallies as not approved, blackmail prone of the IEC members to secure their positions and assured more benefits inter alias.
The Independent Electoral Council (IEC) are hand picked by Jammeh himself so that they could dance to his music. Any strategic position APRC want to snatch they used the IEC to undermine it by manipulation of the voter register with changes, transfers and updates and grant it to the APRC.
This exposed them as corrupt stooges of the regime and puts the integrity of the IEC into question to linger so far a dictator existed, lack of law and order as the law enforcement agencies and defenders of the Constitution are ineffective, incompetent, particularly corruption and biased on the side of ruling party.
TAALIBEH’S COMMENTS:
(After election date re-set 26th September, 2006 by IEC)
It is pathetic, isn't it? There is no independent government body currently in the Gambia. Everything is for Jammeh and his interest. We are faced with a mammoth dilemma!
Worst Case Scenarios amongst other catalogue of Jammeh and APRC corruption, terror, tragedies, misrule and bad governance
The land of “Human Rights” is crying for human rights!!!
i.Jammeh’s Speech (on 10,0000 solidarity march)
Refer on details on “Bantaba” topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=712
ii. Gambia: To kill All Jammeh’s Opponents (PART 1)?
Refer on details under
http://allafrica.com/stories/200606020438.html
iii.Gambia: To kill All Jammeh’s Opponents (PART 2)?
Refer on details under
http://allafrica.com/stories/200606020458.html
iv. Gambia: Jammeh Named National Press Freedom Predator
The Independent (Banjul)
OPINION
April 5, 2006
Posted to the web April 5, 2006
Baba Galleh Jallow
Washington, DC
At long last, Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh has been added to the infamous list of press freedom predators around the world. The international press freedom group, Reporters Without Borders, names Jammeh alongside such African despots as Libya's Muamar Ghadafi, Equatorial Guinea's Obiang Nguema, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, Eritrea's Issaias Afeworki, Rwanda's Paul Kagame, Swaziland's King Mswati III, and Tunisia's Zine Ben Ali.
Outside the continent, the list includes such dinosaurs as Cuba's Fidel Castro, China's Hu Jintao, Burma's Than Shwe, North Korea's Kim Jong-il, Syria's Bashar el-Assad, Laos' Khamtai Siphandon, and the Spanish terrorist group ETA.
The Gambia under Jammeh has seen the worst press freedom and human rights violations in the country's history. In the immediate aftermath of the July 1994 coup that brought Jammeh to power, almost all foreign journalists working in the country were arbitrarily arrested and deported without any charges. Among the victims of this early onslaught on press freedom in the country was veteran Liberian journalist and founder of the country's first independent daily, Kenneth Y. Best.
The arrests, detentions, and sometimes torture, of journalists by officers of the National Intelligence Agency - the secret police - have become a regular feature of Gambian life. On December 16, 2004, veteran Gambian journalist Deyda Hydara, editor of The Point newspaper and Banjul correspondent for Reporters Without Borders and Radio France International was brutally shot to death by suspected government thugs as he drove home from work Gun men in an unmarked Mercedes Benz cab drove parallel to Deyda's car, pumped five bullets into his chest and sped into the darkness.
The country has also seen a string of nocturnal arson attacks on private media houses such as Radio 1 FM and The Independent newspaper. The Independent newspaper alone has suffered at least three nocturnal arson attacks by suspected government thugs over the past three years. Last year, a new press belonging to the paper was burnt to ashes. Staff working at the press, who were forcibly locked in with the burning machine barely escaped with their lives. No arrests have ever been made against the perpetrators of any of these heinous crimes, including the murder of Deyda Hydara.
As at the time of writing, The Independent's General Manager Madi Ceesay, who is also the president of the Gambia Press Union, as well as its Editor-in-Chief Musa Saidykhan, remain locked up nine days after they were picked up by armed paramilitary officers. The paper's offices remain sealed and under heavy armed paramilitary guard. No charges have so far been brought against either the detained journalists or the paper, whose management is still at a loss as to the reasons for this latest onslaught. According to Gambian law, no person should be held for more than 72 hours without being charged with a crime. Also, no private property should be put under lock and key without the provision of a court order. No such order was produced to justify the closure of The Independent's offices on March 27, 2006.
The past few years have also seen the permanent closure of at least one private media house, Citizen FM radio and newspaper. Citizen FM radio was forcibly shut down on the spurious authority of a 1913 colonial law on the registration of media outlets. Observers believe that the widely popular radio station was shut down because it regularly interpreted the contents of newspapers in the local languages to the largely unschooled Gambian public. The Jammeh regime, which specializes in keeping people in the dark, hated the fact that Citizen FM was disseminating information critical of the government to large sections of the population who cannot read or write.
Since he seized power in a military coup in July 1994, Gambia's Yahya Jammeh has been a self-declared enemy of press freedom. He has been extremely scornful of human rights and assumes a monopoly on truth and knowledge that makes him particularly hostile to contrary views and opinions. He rules the Gambia like his personal fiefdom supported by an increasingly repressive and ubiquitous security apparatus and a never-ending pool of sycophants.
v.Speaker Bidwell cautions Secretaries of State
Refer on details under
http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines882.htm
Lessons to be learnt from the past, bad precedents, failures, bad policies, short-sightedness and milestones
i. THE GREY AREA OF NADD MOU
Salimina posted these comments expressing reservations:
“I think NADD MOU is a disaster. How can such an elites of politicians signed for a document without looking for future implications? No doubt we are in a mess. Collectively it will be fairly easy to get rid of Mr. Jammeh. If I was part of the executive committee I will never resort to such short-sightedness. Why? Because the document sets a clear advantage (if not total) for any party whose member is selected as the flag bearer.
Since all major decisions are going to be decided by the executives, there is a tendency that political error will be minimal. So the leader definitely will do well.
I think the best policy document they can came-out with should have a clause that says `NADD leader has to be an outsider,’ i.e. someone well respected within the community both at home and Diaspora. That would create a level playing field after 5 years however successful the incumbent is and it will not have an effect on the future leadership contest.”
We all know how fragile a human mind is especially in the Gambian context. If NADD is elected and did wonders who is going to vote for UDP, NRP, APRC. No doubt they are in conflict with their own policy. They have seen their mistakes.
Before welding your “machetes” I can say that the burden of my argument, though it probably sounds untimely or radical to conventional opinion; is actually for being critical.
MOU is not a divine document but for a guidance. But if it doesn’t serve its purpose well we need to discard it and look for a better solution. They have to sacrifice and do whatever it takes to come out with another solution. Here is a problem that will put us back to another 5 years plus, if Mr. Jammeh wins again (which am sure in this climate currently). Why can’t they sit again and do something about this.” QUOTE END
JUSTICE SAM comments:
“Greed is a major problem in African politics. Gambians are today witnessing the real politics of "Jangfa" with baseless excuses to play with the gallery. The truth shall prevail!!!” QUOTE ENDS
SOMITA comments:
“Its makes me wonder if these so call people ever think about the ordinary people they are purporting to represent. The truth shall set up all free, the contrary will enslave us all.” QUOTE ENDS
Author’s comments:
NADD executive base including opposition party leaders respectively has the potential for flag-bearer. They were initially committed towards the united front and when reviewing, endorsing and/or implementing NADD MoU they should have properly took note of selecting the flag-bearer. I would recommend the flag-bearer be given the mandate to steer for the first term of about five years and then look about the possibility of bringing another in the next term. It is imminent for the alliance to be sustainable and have a reasonable life cycle or they go back to square one on rivalry, breach of confidence, double standards, greed, power struggle and undermining each other. One must lead and others follow; towards forming a dynamic democratic political party.
Furthermore their in-decisiveness, in-competence, in-consistencies, in-effectiveness and/or short-sightedness to take the right decisions, at the right time and right place for e.g. Supreme courts ruling on registering NADD pre-maturely made them lost three of their major seats for by-elections and got them arrested, detained and disorganized when they started gaining ground at the initial stages of negotiations on the strategic alliance. END
ii.Gambia: Mr. President, There Are Lessons to Be Learnt
An article in response to Jammeh’s Speech as a self-declared dictator!
Gambia: Mr. President, There Are Lessons to Be Learnt
The Gambia Journal (Banjul)
OPINION
May 2, 2006
Posted to the web May 2, 2006
Faithful Mahoney
Your Excellency, your warning to your opponents during the '10,000 man march' on the 15 April that they have a long wait before you would 'hand over power' to them is indeed an interesting revelation of your intentions for this country. This not only sounds as if you have complete control of how Gambians should vote and who they should vote for, but you are also once again manifesting the inconsistencies of your pronouncements.
I am sure, like everyone else, you can fully remember what you said when you were appointed by your colleagues "soldiers with a difference" in 1994 as chairman of the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) that one of the reasons why you decided to take over the government was because ex-President Jawara over-stayed his welcome by remaining in power for about 30 years, and you promised that no leader of this country will ever again be allowed to remain in power for more than two terms of five years. In fact you also said that 10 years was even too long for anyone to remain in power. You indeed continuously kept on saying that you were not a politician but that you were there to correct the wrongs created by the PPP regime and hand over the country to the civilians. It is therefore quite interesting to hear you not only trying to justify your own decision to remain in power 12 years after, but also promising to remain in power for another 30 years.
However, the very fact that you doctored the draft constitution before you passed it to the people less than two days before the referendum and you not only reduced the recommended age limit for a presidential candidate from 40 years to only 30 in order to suit you, but you also removed the presidential term limit that was recommended in the draft, was a clear indication of your intentions to remain in power, despite all the noise you were making about not being a politician. All clever Gambians had known your intentions to remain in power well before 1996.
Therefore, Your Excellency, it appears that you have either forgotten that undertaking you solemnly made to the people of this country, or you have become so intoxicated with power that you have chosen to ignore it altogether. It is indeed very interesting to hear you say that your opponents have to wait for another 30 years before you would hand over the government to them. Do you really have the means to hand over the government to anyone of your choice or is it the people who should determine who it should be handed over to and when?
In the first place, it was really ironic that you had to mobilize the people to come out and condemn the coup against your regime when you also came to power through a coup. Isn't it contradictory? You were also heard trying to justify your own coup and condemning this one when time has proven that you came to power not to correct any ills of the society but that you just wanted to gain power and do even worse than what your predecessor did. Never in the history of The Gambia has this country been so polarized and the people subjected to such intimidation and harassment by agents of the regime as it is the case today.
Your Excellency, we are threading through a dangerous path as a nation and unless something is done quickly to arrest the situation, we are heading towards a similar situation to what happened in countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ivory Coast which resulted in fratricidal conflicts. Those conflicts started with arrogance on the part of the ruling clique, behaving like lords over the people and treating the ordinary people like thrash, exactly like what is presently going on with your administration.
Indeed, if you as head of state continue to behave like you conquered this country and it is your personal freedom rather than an elected head of state that can be voted out by the people, then we are heading for serious trouble. It is quite irresponsible to tell the people that you are not going to hand over power for the next 30 years as if you control who the people are going to vote for in the next presidential elections. Indeed you are already telling us that you intend to rig the elections in your favour, otherwise, it is hard for anyone to understand where you got the confidence that you are going to win the elections.
Your Excellency, I wonder whether you are learning from the experiences of other heads of state in our sub-region who behaved arrogantly as you are behaving today but who ended up in a sorry state. Indeed there is no shortage of such examples in the sub-region. A recent good example is your friend Charles Taylor, and of course there was also his predecessor Samuel Doe, and your own very mentor and bank-roller General Sanni Abacha, who died a mysterious death. I wonder whether you also ever imagine yourself one fine day being in hand-cuffs like Charles Taylor, and not clutching your prayer beads and the sword, which have now come to be synonymous with oppression and arrogance by most people in The Gambia.
Please just take a moment and reflect on what can become of you and how those you are today oppressing and intimidating are going to treat you if they also have the chance. You certainly need to reverse the trend, otherwise, time is running out and the consequences can be grave for you and those who have agreed to be used by you to do your dirty work.
Good Day, Mr. President
Culled from allafrica.com ENDS
DEEW SAGAM COMMENTS ON TOPIXNET:
(Mo, Nothingham UK)
It is high time we all came to understand the fact that staging a coup will only take us back and no progress. Governments should only be removed by democratic means. I think political leaders failed us dismally by not being under a united front. So long as this state of affairs continued, Jammeh and his corrupt officials will continue the reign of terror and economic destruction in the Gambia. QUOTE ENDS
Author’s comments to address the nation:
“Gambia sunyu rew sopa negnla ndaah fee leygn judo”
Fellow Gambians and compatriots, I called upon you to mobilise ourselves in the spirit of patriotism and solidarity as the struggle continues. Don't sleep in slumber, degraded and enslaved by an individual and a corrupt system that all of us are guilty of allowing them to mature and growing from strength to strength because of greed, selfish reasons, power hungry, complacent and laisser-faire attitudes, day dreaming "Gambia no problem", disorientation, ignorance, traitors, paranoid, petrified and cowardice, You all know that you have one of the worst and weakest leaders of the century, who insults you, bullies you, maimed you, torture you, murder you, terrorizes you, uses your national assets for self-aggrandizement like his personal properties, corrupts and manipulates all machinations at his disposal. You have seen his last rites and declarations in this ruthless speech for his next agenda , which includes staying for another 30 years whether you like it or not!, more blacklists, murders and civil crises; on where he is leading Gambia towards a no man's land; May God forbid it, Ameen!.
Please let us unite UNDER ONE BANNER, ONE UNMBRELLA AND ALLY to allow a good leader break the vicious cycle and another mafia in Gambian politics in guise of Jammeh, APRC and certain elites enmeshed with greed and corruption.
What is your problem to make esteem sacrifices and deal with him, his tyranny and tenacity on power at all costs? You have another opportunity to unseat him with proper strategy, diplomatically and politically through the forthcoming general elections. Its never too late than never as time has already ran out for the general elections slated for Friday, 24th September 2006.
Written texts are texts for guidance only, but deeds are more prominent than politicking, talking, squabbles and other attempts to use others as scapegoats. Therefore deeds are demanded to arrest the situation.
Action speaks louder than words!
The peoples’ voices are the peoples’ choice!
Don’t loose the plot this time! The ball is in your court!
iii. The Recent By-Elections
Dramatically from the recent by-elections, lessons are supposed to be learnt on events that unfolded ranging from:- leveling the field, IEC corrects results, result statistics reflecting defeat for the opposition but victory for the people by popular votes, arrests and detentions of UDP/NRP supporters and ‘mighty?’ Yankuba Touray’s threats to close a police station if arrests and detentions are not made against certain opposition parties.
Refer on ‘Tale of missing 300 votes’ details under http://allafrica.com/stories/200605180061.html
SITASUNGO COMMENTS:
Any way, actions speaks louder than voices. I have said over and over that the opposition needs to come together as shown by the people of kombo East. Vast majority of the kombo East people have shown the APRC government that the country is not governed as they wished. Thus putting the opposition votes together, they have disapproved overwhelmingly the government by 558 votes. QUOTE ENDS
KONDORONG COMMENTS:
It is anyone's guess. Right now with a divided opposition, they have no clout to bear any pressure. Unity is strength. I believe it is the shock of the opposition disunity. People are no longer motivated to vote. The spirits are low and my guess is the same trend will follow in November.
QUOTE ENDS
KAANIBAA COMMENTS:
A fractured opposition is a weak one and if they join hands they together can face the hurdle. It would be difficult for the incumbent government to score better against this force then it would against a disorganized attack; I mean at a general election. They are soldiers and if you think a haphazard move will succeed you have a big think coming bro Ousainou. Think again the picture is bigger than you want to put it. Yes you did talk about Saloum and Kombo East scenarios. One would have thought the latter result is a better scanner of what lies ahead and it indeed indicated to all and sundry that the opposition did get more votes in Kombo East but those votes were catastrophically wasted. We do not want any collateral vote wastage as they would only help the incumbent.
QUOTE ENDS
Author’s comments on the IEC and Law Enforcement Agencies:
Like I said before about integrity, blackmail, manipulation, incompetence and independence of the IEC they are now seen to exist and demonstrating some of the weaknesses of the electoral system. Several arrests and detentions of citizens exercising their democratic rights were seen openly inter alias. These are causes for complains and not free and fair in total and results not reliable but very useful to the opposition in their strategic plans.
WHICH WAYS FORWARD?
With all the energy and resources invested to seek solutions and make progress, why are we still at crossroads? What is the way forward? From this background information extending discussions further would include the following:
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Edited by - kobo on 05 Jun 2006 22:02:26 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jun 2006 : 13:01:15
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Soory for not completing before midnight, had slight distractions and underestimeted it. However have done it by midday as FINAL as follows:
The Gambia National Anthem
Try from this link http://ressourcepage.gambia.dk/anthem.htm
Introduction
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“In The Gambia we don’t have a monarchy but an elected person who should be the people’s servant and subjected to public accountability.”
Overview
As an on-line member of “ Bantaba” fora (whose contacts: admin@gambia.dk), I posted a new topic on UNP/NRP AND NADD ALLIANCES and declared an ultimatum by 31st May 2006; to seek opinions and resolutions in order to make a statement to address or resolve the impasse for the way forward between all major opposition parties mentioned on an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) binding them as a workable document and constitution on the need for forming a proper stronger alliance towards Election 2006, if they pledged and subscribed to its MOU and resolved to contests UNDER ONE UMBRELLA.
The responses and active participations were very impressive and by the 31st May 2006, we reviewed, made open debates and discussions on-line on all relevant political topics and issues; both current and/or previously exhausted through the files and/or archives of “Bantaba” systems. Normally we made quite a lot of brainstorming exercises and interactions through “Bantaba” open fora. In this regard we have reviewed certain relevant Gambian political education topics, pertinent issues on political and Gambian democracy, on or about activities of our politicians and the political leaders, the election process as it progresses on towards Election 2006 including recent by-elections, UDP/NRP and NADD, activities and progress of major opposition parties and its alliances respectively, scrutinized certain flaws, short-comings of the MOU and constraints, re-negotiations, sacrifices and compromises that may be necessary in order to constitute a proper stronger alliance, inter alia. Those open debates, discussions, logical and intellectual exercises gave us the opportunity to gather from wide ranges of sources; ideas, diverse opinions, various sources of information the facts, realities and information that are relevant, pertinent and/or note-worthy to dealt with, to assist us compiled and forward some of these sound acceptable proposals, good resolutions, strategies and interventions in order to resolve the impasse between UDP/NRP and NADD alliances, about the flag-bearer and effectiveness of MOU, to promote unity of the opposition parties for them to contest Election 2006 under one umbrella at this crucial time.
Congratulations to my fellow com-patriots as credit is due to them for their sincere and dedications to salvage the current political order and promote a proper stronger alliance as emancipation for the people inordinately by crises upon crises. In my opinion those at the helm of leadership appear not to pay heed to them or does it not bother them? I hope not because I am not sure about any appropriate answer to use or description of their indecisiveness? There appears to be consensus from certain patriots by these ways and means, suggestions and highlights being table as sound proposals for consideration; which motivates, convinces, appeals and appear to be acceptable and feasible for implementation at high level before nomination of Presidential candidates, amongst other strategic issues; as soon as possible.
Rather than making a statement I resolved to use my own initiatives (within my limitations and information available through “Bantaba” at the time), which may not be considered as a conventional approach of presentation of a document to address certain issues and/or programs; to incorporate and consolidate as collective efforts to address the way forward by these; relevant quotes, relevant extracts, certain ideas, sound opinions, reasonable comments, interviews and selected presentations and dissertations from renown Gambian intellectuals but not discounting others who participated and made this self-imposed assignment fruitful. I pay tribute to those dedications to provide us with adequate information, ideas, opinions and constructive comments about the Gambian political situation in our quests, efforts and strive to move the nation forward. It enables me to gather and consolidate as much information from what I considered as their representations and petitions under certain selected headings as below. However these representations and petitions could be translated as blueprints or benchmarks relative to certain precedents and political situations and appear to be valid to provide the substances and solutions for the way forward; in order to seek the resolutions to address the impasse between UDP/NRP and NADD alliances, as follows:-
1. People’s Alliance for democracy and development (Proposals for the way forward)
By Biraago – Political Analyst and commentator
Most conscious and concerned Gambians have for the past months been engaged passionately in trying to find mechanisms that would lead to our collective liberation from the current political dispensation and the socio – economic chaos that our beloved nation has found itself and the tunnel leading to mutual understanding, trust and confidence has been too long but the time has come for all of us to ease ourselves with the hardships of failure and open the door to success owed to the future generations.
The creation of the National Alliance for Democracy and development (NADD) was propelled by the fact that, our people as a nation are bleeding the horrendous cancer engulfing most African nations, translated in the form of political mal-governance, economic sabotage, social degradations, chronic corruption, cultural fermentation, and moral decadence after centuries of slavery, colonialism and dictatorship of various kinds.
The initiative for cooperation between the political forces to lead our nation as a vanguard institution under a common umbrella came from concerned, interested and motivated individuals who invited members of the opposition and transfer their noble initiative to them with the hope that they would carry this noble task in their best (positive) capacity and play the role that is expected of them, since they are the once on the ground who are seen as the leading well-organized forces in the Gambia’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
NADD was created as an Alliance of political parties as an organization of political parties with equal standing and equal representation with an MoU that is limited to only a five year term of office for both the presidency and the national assembly. A program of national rectification in all spheres of life is proposed to all members of the Gambian community both at home and abroad that would involve all sectors including civil society. Due to the fact that they couldn’t contest elections without becoming a registered political party because of the limitations in the national constitution and electoral decree, the Alliance was forced to register a political party composed of individuals all political organizations and contested National Assembly seats which the lost by virtue of the creation of NADD the party and they made great successes as a collective.
As usual, political parties came always be bugged down when it comes to who should lead them and NADD was no exception. This lack immunity to division caused by ambition for leadership shred NADD into two divided groupings and the newly formed UDP/NRP Alliance proclaimed a new strategy of a 1 party lead alliance under the UDP.
The litmus of both strategies and the level of consciousness of our people came on the 14th of match in the Kombo East by-election in which the ruling APRC retained its’ National Assembly seat after the sudden passing away of its’ former representative.
Many analysis and interpretations have been advanced by many commentators in various capacities as well as proposals for re-unification of the UDP/NRP with the rest of NADD in order to create a better chance of winning the up-coming elections as a united front against the incumbent.
After studying the experiences of the strategies and tactics that has been offered to different African countries by the democratic forces and their failures and success, I would like to share my humble thoughts with my fellow country folks.
Proposal:
Since NADD is already registered (tactically) as a Political Party by individuals from different political persuasion despite the fact that it was an entente between the composite political parties, we could all look into this factor as a leaver to diffuse the disagreements that are leading to a derailment of the urgency to self-emancipation and to collectively transform our nation.
After it’s launching, NADD was always saying to the people that, they (the people) should now make the party their ownership and that it’s success depends entirely in our collective effort and determination. The time has now come for all of us to put all hands on deck and prove to each other that, the national interest is paramount to our personal, organizational or sectional interest. That Africa and the Gambia are bigger and weighs greater
importance than any of us.
To be very practical:
We don’t need to engage people from outside to sole the discord as said by some as it is the duty of those who had already set the boll rolling to see to it that we reach the goal in harmony and collective success.
The NADD MoU and Code of Conduct should be the basis of future re-alignment but this should be amended to fit a new understanding:
The individual members should form the basis of the parties foundation and should function like any other political party from now on, with the political organizations (parties) that are to be a part of this collective should serve as guarantors and not the deciding factors. This could be a leaver to diffuse the struggle between the different political entities.
Leadership:
To give considerations to the guarantor political parties, their members should be considered in the deciding and administrative organs of the party on equal basis and members of civil society who are practically engaged in the struggle for the same endeavor could be invited to be functional in these organs.
As having been the greatest point of contention, a new approach MUST be taken without bypassing the above-mentioned principles.
My proposal is that we look into the fellow executive members of the various parties and member of civil society who has been active, are progressive and has the capacity to confront the tasks ahead. END OF QUOTE
Refer on detailed topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1038&whichpage=1
Background information
Events leading to the rationale, advocacy and promotion of mobilizing resources and joining forces together by major opposition parties can be derived from these sources and other various highlights as follows:-
2. Extracts from NADD MoU Preamble
We, the undersigned representatives of opposition political parties, who seek to establish an alliance, are fully conscious of the duty, that wisdom and honour bestow on us, to explain to the people, from whose consent we must derive the authority to preside over the affairs of the nation and to generations yet unborn, the exceptional circumstances which compelled us to assemble and take these decisions that are here engraved or entrenched in this Memorandum Of Understanding
Refer NADD MoU at http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=209&whichpage=1
3. Extracts from Tribalism and political history in the Gambia
By Dr. Sulayman S. Nyang Howard University
The collapse of the Jawara regime could well be explained as the culmination of many social and political crises which were not effectively contained or settled by the Jawara regime. If there was any serious debate among Gambian intellectuals through the press and in various fora around the country, the Kukoi Samba Sanyang coup and the Yaya Jammeh coup would not have taken place. I am making this assumption because I believe the leadership, both the government and the opposition, would see the negative consequence of a collapse of an embryonic but imperfect democratic order. Apparently, the government and its loyal opposition were not listening, and even if they were listening, they were acting on what they knew about the situation. ……………..etc, etc, etc.
Whenever logic breaks down, and we have difficulty dealing with serious and real problems of social and political life, it becomes an easy way out to resort to irrationalities. In the special case of the Gambia, parochialism in political life has a long and unfortunate history…………….etc, etc, etc.
Sectionalism based either on ethnicity or religion in Gambian politics goes back to the 1950s ……………………etc, etc, etc.
In concluding this brief piece on the ethnic or tribal question in the Gambia, I would like to say that the various battles fought over positions and privileges should be taken as lessons learned from the common past. In order to build a better and brighter future, the Gambians must learn a new language of inter-ethnic cooperation and competition. This is to say, they must learn to compete freely and fairly……..etc.
As Henry Kissinger said sometime ago, "Even the paranoid has real enemies." Let us remember this while working energetically to create a political culture of tolerance and goodwill. QUOTE ENDS
Refer on Dr. Sulayman S. Nyang’s paper on detailed topic under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=834&whichpage=3
4. Political Education for Democratic Transformation of the Gambia
By Dr. Abdoulie Saine (Culled by Dalton 1)
At a time of growing political activism among Gambians worldwide, the need arises to both underscore and enhance political education in the Diaspora and in The Gambia to push further the country’s democratic transformation. There are at least two important reasons in the quest for political education for Gambians at home and in the Diaspora. The first is the need to create critical awareness of political phenomena by facilitating an open and balanced discussion and analysis of a range of opinions and problem-solving scenarios. The second is awareness, or increased consciousness of positive political values pertaining to liberty, justice, equity, respect for the law, and enhanced personal and collective obligations for the public good. ? It seems these trends in The Gambia and the Diaspora, as reflected in media outlets are on the increase and must be deepened.
Critical political education must be distinguished, however, from the more common Civics version that tends to support, reinforce and legitimate the existing political system in The Gambia and elsewhere. ? The latter emphasizes factual knowledge of existing institutions of government, while its teaching method(s) devalue the discussion of controversial issues such as the distribution of wealth and power in society. ? Most post-colonial states in Africa, including The Gambians have developed a hegemonic and an intolerant notion of political education based on a narrow state-driven/ elite agenda. It is used as an oppressive political instrument to further the official ideology of the state and the class it represents. This type of education has fostered dependence and authoritarianism and enabled dictators to prey on the poor and poorly educated masses.
In the best tradition of political education, citizens and in particular students are taught critical thinking skills, the relevance of historical context(s), provided the tools to assess information from different perspectives so as to arrive at a conclusion(s).Political education must also have as one of its central missions the cultivation of tolerance and the ability to present and defend ones position in a logical, precise non-abusive manner. ? Such education must also recognize that opposition or a difference of opinion is not treason. ? Citizens and students, specifically, must be educated to have an intellectual awareness of the political system and the inherently political nature of public life and relationships within the state. ? Ultimately, the quality of The Gambia’s future democratic culture will hinge on the level of knowledge and education its citizens receive.
Yet, it would be nave to expect the dominant classes, especially those whose interests the state represents to develop a kind of education that would enable the mass of the population to perceive social injustice issues. The media, together with other civic and opposition political organizations, and intellectuals must provide critical and when possible, alternative explanations to the prevailing official perspective/ideology.
Gambians at home and in the Diaspora (and especially those that live in the U.S., Europe and other democratic societies) must continue to cultivate in themselves and others the democratic values of debate and tolerance. ? We must learn to disagree calmly without necessarily being disagreeable; because to be insulting in a national conversation is to have lost the argument and perhaps your ability to convince and influence. Tolerance and respect for ideas and debates over ideas are democratic values we will need as we attempt to nudge Jammeh’s government, the opposition and The Gambia in a more democratic direction. It is these values that in the end would make The Gambia that we all love a more stable and economically prosperous place to live.
In sum, we must educate ourselves and others politically because education without social responsibility has little or no redeeming value. Thus, political education has to be committed to social justice and rooted in humility in order to improve not only ourselves and our families, but The Gambia and humanity as a whole. QUOTE ENDS
Refer on detailed topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=834&whichpage=6
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=843&whichpage=1
5. Option for an alliance proposal
(Culled by Biraan)
Issued by Musa Jeng – Save The Gambia Democracy Project (STGDP)
STGDP, once again is sadden that the coming together for a unitary alliance continues to be a challenge. As Gambians continue to look for a way out by coming up with different proposals, the political protagonist continue to either stay muted, or make statements that are not helping in bringing about reconciliation. The biggest cliché: I am open to the idea of coming together, is expounded by all the parties concern, as long as it is in their terms. As for all of us in the Diaspora, the very engine that was driving this locomotive of the alliance has found ourselves getting caught up in partisanship. There is total agreement that there is a need for the parties to come together, saying it thousand times more is not going to make it happen. There should be an honest and meaningful action from the players to give ourselves chance to broker a deal. It is paramount that coming together is fundamental, but most important is how we come together. This can have a direct impact to our chance of winning!
Below, is a proposal from STGDP that was sent to both NADD and UDP-NRP couple of months ago? As we continue to wait for their responses. All of us in the Diaspora, especially the very people that have a played a pivotal role in this effort should come back together and make this thing happen. Folks, months ago when the opposition leaders were arrested and taken to Mile 2, there was a phone conference attended by over sixty individuals. We were brought together by anger, frustration but also a belief that collectively we have to do something. I am appealing to everyone who was on that conference call, that we can make it happen and now is the time to at least play our last card.
We have been there at the beginning, and continue to go through the difficulties, the nuances, the political jockeying and have gotten to know the players. We can definitely give it another shot. Below is the proposal. We have tried to come up with something that will not only bring them together, but will also the how that can bring everyone on board enthusiastically to give us a chance of winning.
April 18, 2006
The Secretary General
NADD
Banjul, the Gambia.
After engaging Gambians all around the world, with all shades of political and partisan persuasions, STDGP has concluded that pursuing a coalition is an effort that cannot be given up on. The commonality that every Gambian that we spoke to has is that a coalition of opposition parties is the sure way of bringing an end the president Jammeh’s rule of tyranny. We went further and sounded party leaders from NADD and UDP-NRP, and there is still a commitment to a coalition as a strategy to contest the October 2006 elections.
Fellow Gambians, STGDP still held the belief that it is incumbent upon all of the players to give Gambians what they want – the opportunity to vote against tyranny. As we all begin to deal with the political realities with the NADD concept as a strategy to remove tyranny and replace it with democracy, STGDP refuses to give up and will never give up on the idea of a coalition and we hope our proposal and suggestions will be considered with honesty and be given your quick and utmost thoughts as time is running out on all Gambians hungry for change. We would still like to engage the opposition in finding a way out and a common ground that would give us the opportunity to build the forces of change through coalition of political parties.
This will be the proposed way forward to bring about a one team political opposition, which will run against president Jammeh in the upcoming October 2006 General elections. This proposal attempts to find a compromise, by dealing with what is regarded as the BIG ISSUES: who becomes the leader of this cooperation and under what political entity will this cooperation operates. This is not to say that these are the only big issues, but we thought it is important to highlight some of the critical issues. The political reality as it is, we have the NADD Alliance and the UDP-NRP Alliance. Both parties need to give, demonstrate flexibility and focus on the big price: the removal of president Jammeh. Below is a foundation of a frame work that can be a start up to bring the forces together and once again your utmost cooperation will be highly appreciated?
This new cooperation will exist under the entity of NADD/UDP-NRP Alliance, more like the Rainbow coalition in Kenya. Both entities shall remain independent with their political programs, platforms, manifestos and internal agreements. This will be a loose alliance out of which a candidate will become the presidential candidate, only to run under an INDEPENDENT TICKET.
A. The real focus of this alliance is a strategic move to contest the upcoming election with one presidential candidate.
B. Both the NADD and the UDP-NRP Alliance have already chosen a leader – and one of these individuals will become the leader of the cooperation, and by default the other will become the vice presidential candidate.
C. In each of these alliances are compositions of individual parties: UDP, NRP, PPP, NDAM and PDOIS. All of the leaders of these parties are to participate fully in this cooperation, and to play a vital role in the formation of a new government after the presidential election is won.
D. This is only cooperation between the two alliances, and will not address or govern other internal agreements within alliances outside of the cooperation.
E. As part of this program, the presidential candidate who will be running under the independent ticket will be one of the leaders from the two Alliances, and by default the other leader will be the running mate and the Vice president. In addition, under the arrangement all the other three executive leaders will hold cabinet offices in the new government to be determined by all the parties.
F. A constitutional amendment is recommended so that the president cannot dismiss as he wishes without the participation of all the leaders.
G. After one term of five years, the president, vice president and cabinet members can then run under their own party banners.
We are looking forward to hearing from you very soon.
Yours truly,
STGDP
CC: UDP - NRP
6. “……………….Which way forward?”
Dr. Abdoulie Saine has set an agenda. He laid down a formula for resolving the impasse within the opposition in order to succeed in unseating Jammeh and the APRC this October.
Let us put our weight behind this proposal and push for its implementation by the opposition leadership urgently.
Ladies and gentlemen, here is Saine's proposal as Kayiatta culled from
All-Gambia:
How did we get ourselves into this Mess; the Opposition's Political impasse: Which Way Forward?
Abdoulaye Saine
Hamilton, OH, USA
May 23, 2006
The forthcoming presidential election of 2006 is a defining factor in the politics of The Gambia, bearing the promise of a choice of regime to ordinary Gambians for a new democratic dispensation under the leadership of a reconfigured new alliance between the NADD and UDP/NRP.
NADD was established on 17 January by five major opposition parties, which to this purpose signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in preparation for the October 2006 presidential polls. This was partly in response to the 2003 changes in the national constitution to a first-past-the-post presidential election process in place of the second run-off election option. Clearly, this electoral change favors the APRC presidential candidate, Yahya Jammeh. Also, growing political pressure from Diaspora Gambians in the United States, Europe and, in particular, Britain, beginning in 2003, perhaps earlier, contributed to the formation of NADD and its overseas official launching in Atlanta, Georgia in July 2005. A lot is at stake in the forthcoming October presidential elections; this against a backdrop of growing tension between the ruling APRC party, opposition political parties and political leaders.
The Commonwealth-initiated inter-party dialogue by the former Nigerian military ruler General Abdul Salami Abubakar did not produce the desired result of political reconciliation. The objective, among other things, was to get the APRC and the opposition parties to sign an MOU that would ensure regular consultation amongst them under the auspices of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). It was hoped misunderstanding amongst different party supporters would be minimized, and in doing so, reduce the prospects for political violence during the presidential campaigns and elections of 2006. This was not to be as relations between the government and the NADD continued to worsen, in spite of Jammeh's call for political reconciliation.
In July 2005, the NADD was dealt a severe blow when the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the ruling APRC and expelled from the National Assembly, Hamat Bah, Kemesseng Jammeh, Sidia Jatta and Halifa Sallah, all NADD executive members. The ruling party contended and the Supreme Court agreed that the four opposition leaders could not belong to the NADD, (a registered party) while simultaneously retaining their previous party affiliations and seats in the National Assembly. In the subsequent by-elections held on 29 September, all the NADD opposition leaders, except Hamat Bah, regained their National Assembly seats. Bah lost his seat amidst allegations of vote-rigging and intimidation. The NADD sued in the Supreme Court contesting Hamat's defeat.
On the eve of the by-elections, the NADD scored a major victory against the IEC (and by extension, the APRC government) for its decision to allow voters to only show an ID, rather than a voter's card to cast their ballot. The Supreme Court ruled in favour of the NADD, in spite of the fact that the courts as well as the IEC are generally perceived as supporters of the ruling APRC government. Despite the NADD's political gains, however, its fragile alliance, ongoing internal power struggles and selection difficulties over a presidential candidate, lead to its unraveling. In January 2006, Ousainou Darboe, an executive member of NADD and leader of the UDP, resigned amidst his allegations of "mistrust, "insincerity," and "hate" within the NADD's executive. The NADD's Chairman, Alhaji Assan Musa Camara, and a handful of PPP executive NADD members, including Musa Drammeh, resigned shortly thereafter and threw their weight behind the UDP. Meanwhile, Jammeh continued his control and use of the National NIA to repress the opposition.
A case in point occurred on 15 November, when the NIA arrested three NADD executive members following their criticism of the APRC government and President Jammeh himself. The three, (Omar Jallow (a.k.a. OJ), Halifa Sallah, the NADD's Coordinator and National Assembly member, and Hamat Bah accused Jammeh of political intolerance, corruption and mismanagement. The trio further challenged Jammeh to provide evidence that the opposition sought to foment discord/war between The Gambia and Senegal over Senegal's border closure. The two-month border closure (August-October 2005) resulted from President Jammeh's unilateral fee increase for trucks at ferry crossings into Casamance. It took the personal and diplomatic initiatives of President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria to resolve the border conflict at a meeting on 21 October in Dakar between the two heads of state. It also took the combined efforts of international and domestic human rights organizations and activists to get the three NADD executive members released. By the time they were set free on 13 December 2005, however, the NADD had been dealt a significant setback as selection of a presidential candidate was further delayed.
In addition, the daily interrogation of the three at NIA headquarters and their appearance in court used up what little funds the NADD had to launch it's eagerly anticipated rally to announce its flag-bearer.
Thus, while the formation of the NADD as well as growing international and domestic pressures on President Jammeh bode well for future democracy and security, a lot remained to be done before the October presidential polls. In addition to the issue of a standard-bearer for the opposition, the lack of a level playing field, a non-partisan and reconfigured IEC to allow for NADD representation, franchise for Gambians living abroad and the presence of international observers remained issues to be addressed. Financial support from the Diaspora to foot NADD's election bill also grew bleaker the longer its executive took to select its candidate. Amidst this political impasse and challenges, Darboe resigned from the NADD executive.
Darboe's resignation in January 2006, contrary to the pronouncements he made in Chicago in September 2005, following the July visit of some NADD executive members in the US, was another blow against NADD. It was also a disappointment to those who had worked tirelessly for a united front against Jammeh in preparation for 2006. For those who supported Darboe, however, the UDP leader had exhausted all options and was, in the end, left with no alternatives.
It seems Darboe's unwillingness to accept a process that could have lead to the selection of Omar Jallow as the NADD's presidential candidate, was the primary reason for his resignation. It also appeared, however, that Darboe had legitimate concerns about his political colleagues in addition to the legal basis on which the alliance was built. In the latter case, he was vindicated by the July Supreme Court Decision that expelled the sitting National Assembly members.
Also, the political fallout between Darboe and Waa Juwara spilled-over into and further muddied the waters within NADD. Yet, it seems that if Darboe had any prior indication that the selection process would have favoured him, it is probable that he would have remained in the NADD, in spite of his initial misgivings. Amidst the clamour, a UDP/NRP alliance was beginning to crystallize and shortly after the NADD announced Halifa Sallah as its presidential candidate. The UDP/NRP alliance, however, appeared to have already stolen its thunder and NADD risked being rendered politically irrelevant. However, this was not to be as the NADD's political rallies that were held in Brikama, Sukuta as well as this evening's gala in Louisville and yesterday's in Atlanta attracted considerable support.
For the ruling APRC and other sceptics alike, however, the split within the NADD had been predicted; an alliance of self- interested politicians, with divergent political views, interests and strategies, they argued, could never set aside their differences to help build and sustain an alliance. The split within the NADD emboldened the APRC, President Jammeh and his group of political pundits who seized the opportunity to further discredit Darboe, OJ and the other politicians. To Jammeh and his propagandists, the choice to the Gambian people was clear because the disintegration of NADD, which only a few months ago posed a major threat to his rule, made the presidential election outcome a foregone conclusion. Then the 21 March, 2006, alleged foiled coup and its theatrical aftermath gripped the country.
The events of 21 March undoubtedly shook Jammeh's confidence to the core. Apparently spearheaded by the military brass of the Gambia National Army (GNA), the alleged foiled coup was the culmination of The Gambia's deepening political, economic and social crises under President Yahya Jammeh. It also, without doubt, exposed the internal cleavages within the army as well as the APRC's dwindling support. More important, the alleged foiled coup highlighted the APRC's inability to reverse the country's rapid descent into the ranks of "failed states."
The coup revealed yet another crisis, however. This time, it is a crisis of confidence in the political process and disappointment over the splintering of the NADD. To the alleged military brass and their civilian conspirators, the split within the NADD ended what little hope there was to dislodge Jammeh in the forthcoming October 2006 presidential elections.
Where do we go from here?
For many Gambians, however, not all hope is lost. A UDP/NRP alliance and Halifa Sallah's selection as the NADD's presidential candidate sparked renewed hope for a new and stronger alliance. The Kombo-East by-election results suggested that the UDP/ NRP alliance alone cannot defeat Jammeh in October, even though the UDP/NRP appear to have supported their claim- that outside the ruling APRC, they are the majority party. And for the NADD, the prospects of victory in October appear bleaker. Together, however, a UDP/NRP and a NADD alliance could have won the Kombo-East seat. Thus, the two entities desperately need each other.
It appears that a carefully renegotiated new alliance between NADD and the UDP/NRP could spell victory in October's presidential elections. Against this political reality Gambians opposed to Jammeh's continued rule demand that UDP/NRP and the NADD to immediately begin talks in order to revisit/amend the MoU. Political leaders must also promptly reconcile their political and personal differences.
Clearly, the Darboe resignation and the alleged foiled coup, gave rise to a period of soul searching among Gambians every where regarding the future of The Gambia. It led to intense debate and discussion of various strategies and options that could serve as a foundation upon which a new alliance could be built between the two existing UDP/NRP and NADD political entities. From that dialogue and discussion by a politically diverse constituency of Gambians emerged the following proposals:
(1) Establish a UDP/NRP and NADD Alliance to contest the October Presidential elections;
(2) Select Ousainou Darboe or Halifa Sallah as its flag bearer;
(3) Establish a Sallah/Darboe or a Darboe/Sallah ticket;
(4) Upon victory, establish a government of National Unity with proportional representation in cabinet of all constituent parties; (It may not be unwise to agree, upfront, on the distribution of cabinet positions to avoid individual interpretation of "Proportional representation");
(5) The incumbent president and other political-party leaders can, if they wish, contest subsequent presidential elections; and,
(6) Establish two technical committees to iron-out the details, which when signed would be binding to all the parties. (Technical committees should be clearly spelt out prior to the re-signing of the revised/amended MoU).
The primary benefit of a Darboe/Sallah or a Sallah/Darboe ticket is the appeal it is likely to have on a larger voting constituency and reduce individual political vulnerabilities. In turn, this would positively showcase their collective strengths. A Sallah/ Darboe or a Darboe/Sallah ticket would also enable the new alliance to strategize, pool resources and effectively mount a campaign for the October presidential elections.
A speedy conclusion to these negotiations by June 30, 2006 is crucial because Jammeh and the APRC have been dealt a severe blow by the alleged foiled coup and, therefore, remain vulnerable, politically. Despite this fact, however, victory even with a new alliance is not assured and is daunting. Yet, this opportunity must be seized immediately. Furthermore, renegotiating a new alliance is going to require caution and tact as well as thoughtful strategies to reintroduce the new alliance to the electorate. Expected APRC criticism and accusations of "disunity" and "opportunism" within the new coalition, must be countered with strong and compelling arguments.
In conclusion, despite the political differences that divide the opposition, we must not loose sight of the common interest that we share- peacefully and democratically removing Jammeh, not a coup d’ Etat. All political leaders and parties, together, must begin a new chapter to engender healing and reconciliation amongst themselves and their supporters in The Gambia and Diaspora. This is the way forward and the only way to victory in October.
QUOTE ENDS
Refer on detailed topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1015&whichpage=1
Leadership Expressions, Visions and Views of Key Players of Oppositions
It is very evident from the following sources of information available and relied upon at the time, that there are indifferences, various diverse opinions, different outlooks on political leaderships, visions and the way forward towards general elections 2006 and beyond; i.e. charting a new political order and stewardship post elections 2006 between the major political parties respectively. Based on our observations (may be politically valid or invalid?) amongst other things; what appear to brought them on this crossroad of mistrusts, power struggle, leadership crises, disorientation, lack of common purposes and disintegration into two rival alliances or whatever they advocate for, includes selfishness, greed, indecisiveness, inflexibility, lack of good political strategy and incompetence to deal with the current political crises that demands good governance, strong leadership, good politicians, accountability, stewardship and national interests?
It is incumbent upon all political leaders to take full responsibility for their decisions and actions at this critical stage of our political situation with many challenges that they are confronted with. There are high political stakes and national benefits at risks especially the General Elections now slated for September 2006 (3 months away) seemingly being lost already. However creating scapegoats is no solution. It only erodes their credibility, effectiveness and destroys morale. In my opinion, strategically it is counter productive not to put team ethic and national interests before individual expression to settle the impasse between them. On that note we urge you to use diplomacy rather than conflict as the best way forward.
6. UDP/NRP alliance Positions on leadership and visions
i. NEWS UDP/NRP alliance responds to concerned Gambians
By AllGambian.net
May 26, 2006 The UDP/NRP alliance has maintained that any arrangements with NADD must take into consideration the candidacies of Ousainou Darboe and Hamat Bah as presidential and running mate respectively. The newly formed opposition alliance was responding to a proposal from a group of Concerned Gambians to bring the fractured Gambian opposition to forge a unified front to contest the October 2006 presidential election.
While maintaining that it is open to collaboration with other parties, the alliance hinted that the NRP's performance as the second largest opposition party in the last presidential election cannot be ignored.
We reproduce below an e-mail exchange between Ebraima Manneh, senior Administrative Secretary of the UDP/NRP alliance and Dr. Abdoulie Saine on behalf of the Committee of Concerned Gambians.
Dear Dr. Saine,
We thank you for your email dated April 11th 2006 but which we received on Saturday, 20th April. We appreciate your interest in brokering a rapprochement between the UDP/NRP Alliance and the NADD. Ideally, having a unified opposition would help in our bid to defeat the APRC in the forthcoming elections.
We have studied carefully your ideas and it is apparent that you have not exhausted all the possible options. You have for example, left out Hamat Bah and the NRP which is the second largest opposition party and which came out third in the last presidential elections. We cannot ignore this fact in any arrangement that has to be worked out within the opposition ranks.
You will appreciate that we already have established the UDP/NRP Alliance and our two parties have chosen Ousainou Darbo as the presidential candidate for the Alliance and Mr. Hamat Bah as the running mate. Any arrangement with other parties would therefore start from that position.
We would like to confirm our earlier position that we are open to cooperation and collaboration with all other opposition parties that share whose objective is to defeat the APRC in the presidential and national Assembly elections
We thank you for your proposal and we hope that our own reaction could engender more ideas in this regard.
Best regards
Ebraima Manneh
Senior Administrative Secretary 18th May. 2006
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Dear Mr. Manneh:
Many thanks for your email and the response to the proposals I sent on behalf of the "Committee of Concerned Gambians." Also, thank you for sharing your reaction(s) to the proposal with the NADD executive. We are very pleased that the UDP/NRP executive took the time to carefully consider the proposals.
We sincerely agree that the proposals I delivered to you for your executive's consideration, were not exhaustive. In fact, the proposals were never intended to be exhaustive but were to instead serve as a skeletal foundation upon which the two political entities UDP/NRP and NADD could build on and possibly begin talks.
That you shared the UDP/NRP executive's response to the proposals with NADD's could, in the end, open important lines of communication. This was our primary objective. With regard to the specific party decisions and intricate party positions, these can be made clear when talks/ negotiations begin in earnest with NADD.
I am sure you are aware of the many proposals being floated around both in The Gambia and the Diaspora following the Kombo East by-election outcome. The call for unity from all political quarters has grown even louder. The precise character/modality for unity will be left to you, the politicians to spell out precisely. It is clear, however, that a UDP/NRP/NADD alliance could have easily clinched the seat in Kombo East.
As in all negotiations, some positions are not negotiable. I suspect Hamat Bah's selection as Ousainou's running-mate is one such position. Not withstanding, it is our belief that other strategies/ modes of alliance formation can be explored amongst your ranks. We will leave the details to those of you on the ground.
Again, on behalf of the "Committee of Concerned Gambians" I thank the UDP/ NRP executive for its thoughtful response to our proposal and hope that the NADD's executive will seize the opportunity to respond to your response to our proposal in order to begin talks soon. I will share this response to your email with the NADD executive as well.
Kind regards, Abdoulaye Saine
REFER TO FOLLOWING QUOTE EXTRACTED ADOVE
"May 26, 2006 The UDP/NRP alliance has maintained that any arrangements with NADD must take into consideration the candidacies of Ousainou Darboe and Hamat Bah as presidential and running mate respectively. " END
Refer on topic to read comments and reservations on this critical proposal under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1053
KOBO COMMENTS ON QUOTE ABOVE:
That’s unacceptable and seemingly inclined towards absolute rubbish, total failure and doomed for the masses. QUOTE ENDS
SALIMINA COMMENTS:
Kobo, what is doom for the masses is also doom for any aspiring presidential candidate because in isolation no body would have the chance to make changes. QUOTE ENDS
SOMITA COMMENTS:
I only hope the so called politician can see you point Salimina. The fact is they don’t they are buried in achieving their own selfish interest and position that they only think about the masses when they realizes that they have to go through them to achieve their objectives.
My blood runs cold when I think of the poor farmers who are still not paid since January. That amongst many things is enough to bring the opposition together but on the flip side of the coin, is enough to show us that they are there for their selfish interest.
How much more suffering will our people have to go through etc, etc. I don’t want to think about it anymore QUOTE ENDS
DBALDEH COMMENTS:
Guys, it is really disturbing to hear the ultimatum that the UDP/NRP is proposing. In an open negotiation one has to be more flexible in every angle.
Many people including myself will be content with a Darboe/Bah leadership. However, under what conditions can this be achieved? You must be willing to compromise for our future period. I encourage all supporters to rally their people on a winnable formula else we are doomed for good.
God bless. QUOTE ENDS
BLACKBERRY 2004
Darboe has to understand that 50 percent of something is better than 100 percent of nothing. It is time for him to stop giving ultimatums and compromise for the benefit of The Gambia. Darboe/Sallah ticket or Sallah/Darboe ticket is the only workable compromise. He should not be hell bent on dictating the terms of the proposed alliance as to compromise is to give and take and not take all. He should demonstrate to every concern Gambian that he is not selfish to the detriment of the whole country. He should also be willing to stick to whatever he is a signatory to (as he has led us to believe). Darboe should also accept disagreements and criticisms (and not run away from the ‘heat’). As a leader of 1.5 million people, one should expect dissenting views otherwise one would be a dictator. Darboe’s actions, to tell you the truth, are worrisome as he is currently displaying traits of a dictator.
Please, for those who know Darboe, ask him to compromise; otherwise, he is no better than Jammeh. I do not doubt that Halifa (or NADD) would have a problem letting Darboe lead as long as he is willing to stick to the original MOU that he agreed upon. Time is running out!!! QUOTE ENDS
ii. “Leveling the playing field”
Refer on Lawyer Darboe Reacts to Point Editorial under the following http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines844.htm
iii. Lawyer Darboe,s Interview
On interview refer http://www.gambiapost.net under “Bantaba” topic http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=534
KOBO COMMENTS:
Rah, as I see it the trump card is with Darboe as he commands the majority and he is exercising that to negotiate for the flag bearer without compromise and not negotiable by him. Darboe knew what is at stake and should be very decisive to act and play his card properly rather than denying his majority clear landslide victory come Election 2006. He should desist from blackmailing for the leadership counting on his majority or large following of UDP. Others appear to mistrust him in the likes of Waa Juwara who exposed that deals have already been done earlier to pay for Darboe’s outstanding taxes and granted to be nominated as a presidential candidate. Unfortunately for Darboe also is Kemeseng who never lost his seat since his political career (PPP & UDP), maintaining his support for NADD. I believe he is the keyplayer for progress with the united front of the opposition parties.
However Hamat Bah is also crucial to play an active role for success of a united front. Halifa Sallah knows the popular votes and public outcry is more important than his flag bearer and counting on him to sacrifice that if it comes at high level discussions and negotiations between them. Halifa may humbly advice NADDs executive to re-negotiate and sacrifice flag bearer to whosoever is nominated by certain trustees to exercise another nomination process. He is very dynamic in Gambian politics. Other schools of thoughts might see this impasse differently.
QUOTE ENDS:
RAH COMMENTS:
I totally agree. Ousainou's chances of defeating Yaya is greater, and even more so if it comes to a two man horse race.
QUOTE ENDS
7. NADD alliance Positions on leadership and visions
i. NADD Press Release: Declaration by NADD Flag bearer
Refer on details on “Bantaba” topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=402
QUOTES EXTRACTED FROM TOPIC:
Today, marks the beginning of the final phase of the long journey towards the consolidation of NADD as an instrument for guiding the Gambian people to ensure that they are the architects and guardians of there destiny.
The evolution of NADD to become an alternative Government in 2006 has entered its most decisive stage
…………………confronted with shattered lives and or hopeless existence, those among them who have confidence in the creative powers of the masses must create the centrifugal force which is capable of sensitizing, mobilizing and organizing them to take charge of their destiny and be the architects of a new existence based on renewed hopes and aspirations.
Herein lies the reason why the vast majority is concerned with its survival, protection and development.
Our objective today is not to boast of success and achievement despite overwhelming obstacles and odds; on the contrary, it is to gauge the task that the current situation imposes on us in particular and the Gambian people in general with utmost exactness so that we can lay a correct strategy and a clear line of conduct at this turning point in Gambia's history to enable our people to make a big leap forward in 2006 towards democracy and development.
An Alliance Of Principle Not An Alliance Of Convenience
QUOTE ENDS:
ii. Statement by NADD Flagbearer
Refer on details on “Bantaba” topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=984
QUOTES EXTRACTED FROM TOPIC:
VICTORY FOR THE PEOPLE AND A DEFEAT FOR OPPOSITION AND RULING PARTY
The Kombo East By election is now history. History indeed is the teacher of the wise. Our duty now is to draw the relevant lessons from the experience
First and foremost, the results of the election are instructive. The APRC has 3665 votes. The combined opposition has 3923 votes. This means that the opposition is ahead in the counting of the total votes cast in all the by-elections. This is the first point to note. Why should it be noted?
The answer is simple. When we met to review the basis for establishing an alliance we all took note of the fact that the executive worked for an amendment of the constitution to remove the provision providing for a second round of voting so that the APRC could benefit from the division of the opposition. In short, where there is second round of voting all the opposition candidates may struggle to ensure that they prevent the candidate of the ruling party from getting 50% of the votes to pin the person to a second round. However, where there is only one round the combined votes of the opposition may be more than that of the ruling party but the total vote of each may be less than that of the ruling party. In that case the ruling party will win because of the division of the opposition. It is this realisation, which compelled the executives of the various opposition parties to form NADD so that President Jammeh will not win an election only because of the division of the opposition. The results of the Kombo East by-election have again confirmed the lessons we had drawn before forming NADD.
All opposition parties should take note. Let us move to the next point.
iii. Interview with Halifa Sallah
Refer on details on “Bantaba” topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1030
QUOTES EXTRACTED FROM TOPIC
Foroyaa: The subject of Discussion everywhere is the importance of unity among the opposition. What do you have to say to this?
Halifa: One thing that leaders cannot do is to teach the people how to win an election. On this score it is the people who are better teachers.
Foroyaa: What went wrong?
Halifa: That is obvious. A split occurred before we selected a candidate for the presidency. This created a split among the supporters.
Foroyaa: What was the cause of the split?
Halifa: You have to interview Mr. Darboe and Mr. Bah whose parties decided that it was in their best interest to leave: As Coordinator I worked very hard to ensure that we operated on the principle of unanimity. This meant that an individual party had veto powers. Hence no body could become a Presidential candidate without the approval of each of the Executive Members. In short, if Mr. Darboe and Mr. Bah remained members of NADD they could veto any selection of Halifa Sallah as flag bearer. No body’s selection could be imposed on any leader.
Foroyaa: Many people are saying that Mr. Darboe and Mr. Bah left because the person with majority support was not selected?
Halifa: They left before any selection was done.
Foroyaa: some are saying that they could have left because they anticipated that a person other than Mr. Darboe would be selected?
Halifa: I have made it categorically clear that the way the MOU was framed nobody could be selected without the consent of Mr. Bah and Mr. Darboe in particular or any of the Executive Members in General. Each had veto power to stop the selection of any candidate. In that event we should go for primaries and only the people could put an end to the impasse.
This is precisely why I rejected my nomination in the first effort and then declared that I was not interest in accepting the position of flag bearer unless it was accorded to me unanimously.
Foroyaa: What then is the reason for the split?
Halifa: This is why I say that you should interview Mr. Darboe and Mr. Bah to get their opinion on the issue.
Foroyaa: What is the way forward?
Halifa: First and foremost, the split led to the formation of an alliance, which tried to retain the original membership UDP/NRP. This has resulted in persons loyal to each alliance trying to use every explanation to justify its position. If there is to be unity, those who are to negotiate should know the position of each alliance. The similarities on the basis of which we can unite and the differences which need to be addressed to minimize the obstacle to unity. In my view, the first task to be accomplished is to get each side to abandon derogatory remarks against the leaders.
Foroyaa: Do you sincerely believe that there is a basis for unity?
Halifa: Those who are to do the negotiation should take note of the following development before we formed NADD. First and foremost, we recognized that each party had its legitimate right to put up its own candidate to seek political office. We acknowledged that if each did so there would be a split which could make it easier for the incumbent to win. We saw the importance of unity and questioned how we could get the supporters to each party to support one candidate and how we could win the confidence of the none party voters and the APRC supporters to come to our side. We recognized that we must get a candidate whom the leaders of each party could convince their supporters to endorse. Secondly, the candidate should be someone whom the party voters and the voters who currently support the APRC would be happy to endorse. We agreed that we will select such a person through consensus or through a primary. This is the first consideration.
Secondly, we decided to offer those who would relinquish their right to stand as a Presidential candidate concession. The first concession was to make the mandate of the Presidential candidate put up by the alliance transitional and short lived. In short, the person will not wield executive powers as he or she wishes. In that the Vice President and the members of cabinet will be determined by the executive committee of the Alliance on a proportional basis. Furthermore, the programs of the Government shall be that negotiated and accepted by members of the Alliance. In short, the other leaders accepted to surrender their rights to an executive that will also surrender its right in favour of collective leadership. Finally, the person selected would also remain neutral to enable the leaders who surrendered their rights to seek the mandate of the people for five years to do so in the next following elections on an equal footing, by not participating in such elections as a candidate or a supporter of any candidate. This is the political chemistry of the Alliance called NADD.
It is necessary for the negotiations to indicate what the political chemistry of the UDP/NRP Alliance is? What are they offering to help bring about unity?
Foroyaa: Would you be willing to step aside?
Halifa: I am a compromised candidate. My asset is my determination to serve. I accepted to serve NADD because I honestly thought that no party or individual in NADD had an axe to grind with me and that each of the leaders will not find it difficult to convince their membership that I will be a willing tool of the Executive in translating its objective of putting an end to self-perpetuating rule and empowering the people. However, I have come to see that my perception was not quite accurate as I served as coordinator. I am simply waiting for Gambians to tell me what role I Should play to serve them better. The options are many to me. In fact, as I address these questions I have received a call from the Pan African Parliament indicating that I should leave today as part of a mission to (have to deal with the crisis in that country. I have no special interest occupying any post in the Gambia. If it is recognition and respect I have enough of them; if it is money I would have accepted President Jammeh’s offer of Ministerial post 12 years ago. I am not competing with anybody for the presidency. Any day I am asked to call it a day, I will be glad to do so. I will dispatch my report on Darfur and my vision of the Pan African Parliament just to give an idea of what I am doing for African without hoping to be a President.
Foroyaa: What is your advice to NADD Militants?
Halifa: Leaders come and go but the people own the country. There duty is to enlighten, mobilize and organize the people for their political, economic, social and cultural emancipation. Let them continue with their cultural revolution to empower the people through songs, theatre, community meetings and so on so that they take ownership of their minds. This is the way they can decide who to put in position of leadership so that they can take charge of their collective destiny and ensure that it is a destiny fit to be claimed as their own, a destiny, of liberty, dignity and prosperity. QUOTE END
BIRAAGO COMMENTS:
A leader must neither be excessive for power nor arrogant. A leader must be chosen and not self appointing or imposing. Since the union is to give each a vote and a veto, then it is strictly advisable for each of the parties to rely on this in passing their wish before the union, rather than terror through self imposing-hiding under the tentacles of majority and attempts to rejuvenate defunct 'terri-kafo' lineage,” which appear to be undermining authority, strategy and effectiveness within both ranks of UDP/NRP and NADD alliances.
iv. Should Waa Juwara be sacked from NADD alliance?
Waa is very dynamic and vocal but others see him amongst others as threats for NADD progress and reconciliation between UDP/NRP and NADD alliances. However from the following comments lets sound opinions at this critical time in the spirit of reconciliation and progress.
MARPLE COMMENTS:
Darboe's claim of lack of trust and respect between NADD executive led to his departure then followed by Hamat Bah, lets not be sentimental but without these two NADD is a failure.
Who is the trouble maker and why not get rid of the individual for the better of the Gambia. Going by last election there could have been hope of reconciliation if only certain political figures (I mean those in opposition especially WAA) were not bend making personal attack on fellow opposition members hence limiting the chances of future reconciliation. It rather late than never so can WAA please put his acts together for a better opposition reconciliation.
For The Gambia Our Homeland
QUOTE END
KOBO COMMENTS
Marple I don't think the strategy is not about sacking. All of the opposition were a party to NADD and endorsed the MOU with its seals and were supposed to comply by its provisions. At a very critical time when they were gaining ground mistrusts and power struggle arose between them. Therefore from the lessons learnt so far from the disintegration and recent by-elections they should sanction themselves for a high level meeting and reconsider their constraints especially power struggle and mistrusts amongst themselves to make a headway towards the general elections before its too late.
In my opinion sacking Waa would further make matters worst and there would never be a chance again for any unity for the opposition and majority of Gambians would continue to suffer.
QUOTE END
REDEEMER COMMENTS
Maple; We must exercise some little bit of caution here sacking waa will not help the opposition from their present predicament. True though Juwara must stop his personal attacks on Darboe as it is not helping the situation but kicking him out would create another faction within the opposition and that is what we are trying to avoid. The Niamina Dankukung strong man sometimes make feel like vomiting, I mean Waa ought to know better as a political science graduate that personal attacks on Darboe is not the best way of rallying a united front. Waa must wake up to the fact that love him or hate him but his party command the second largest party in the Gambia as manifested in the recent bye elections. So somebody some where must put that in his head. Let him drop the feud between him and Darboe and work for the interest of our country. I personally don’t have any respect for Darboe but I accept that he command a large following in Gambian politics. Sorry folks we all desperately need to see a new regime at No 1 Marina Parade (Muamar Gadaafi Avenue or another street name at present?) but the picture is looking gloomy so though sad but we must brace ourselves for another five years or more of Yaya and his APRC.
QUOTE END
BIRAAGO COMMENTS:
Compatriots,
I think the first thing you have to realize is that criticism and self-criticism are part of the fundamental pillars of democracy.
If you have read the statement from the NADD executive written by the fag-bearer, you would remark that the first thing they did was to engage in self-criticism before giving a general analysis of the campaign and election process in Kombo East.
Can you show us where Lamin Waa Juwara went against the Inter-Party MoU provisions?
This man gave us information regarding an action that was taken by the UDP in which a person's five years of taxation which should have been paid in the first place was paid by party funds in order for him to be selected as presidential candidate. Is this a good example that we are to just shallow because the man is in the opposition to Jammeh? First self rectification!
No one is a sacred cow in the struggle for collective emancipation, be it Jammeh, Halifa or any other Gambian including you and me.
We don't have to be dishonest to each other just because we want to form a front against Jammeh's tyranny.
It is highly desirable for the opposition forces against tyranny to cooperate but is must be based on just principles and not replacing one dictatorship with another just as in the case of Senegal.
The only way freedom could be attained and sustained is if the majority of the Gambian people are conscious of the fact that they are the masters of their own destiny and not some group of politicians who make deals with each other in order to rule them.
The principal aim of NADD is collective emancipation and not leadership dealings to gain the presidency.
If in this endeavour, the forces of the same aim are congruent in a common strategy based on cooperation to reach the first common goal, which is to change the presidency, then it is highly desirable.
We should all work hard to mark sure that, starting from ourselves and families, we are all emancipated from unjust and un-democratic governances either from Jammeh or any one aiming to lead us.
Leaders and political organizations can only spearhead a struggle but they are not the essence of the struggle.
QUOTE ENDS
v. Gambia's Opposition Predicts Victory In Upcoming Presidential Elections
(Culled by Somita)
By James Butty
Washington, DC
13 February 2006
listen to the interview with Hamat Bah - click on the link below
http://www.voanews.com/mediaassets/english/2006_02/Audio/mp3/Gambia_Coalition_Eng2Afr_13Feb06.mp3
SOMITA COMMENTS:
For years, Gambians longed for a strong and united opposition that would challenge President Yahya Jammeh. Last year, five opposition parties came together to create the National Alliance for Democracy and Development. But with presidential elections scheduled for October this year, one of the key members of the alliance has resigned. Osainou Darboe, whose United Democratic Party holds the majority, says he was resigning due to lack of trust among its members.
Hamat Bah is leader of the National Reconciliation Party and a member of the opposition alliance. English to Africa reporter James Butty asked him if there is a problem of distrust among members of the alliance. “Well, that’s Mr. Darboe’s perception. That’s his belief. I can believe certainly to an extent what Ousainou Darboe is saying. May be he has every reason to believe that some members don’t trust him in the coalition.”
Bah says the National Alliance for Democracy and Development has been having power struggle problems. “Yes, as it happens in every coalition, there have been some problems in selecting a coalition leader. But we have not completely exhausted completely the process through which we set ourselves in the memorandum of understanding.”
Bah denies that part of the coalition’s problems is a result of ethnic differences. He blames such thinking on detractors of the coalition who he says will say anything to tarnish the coalition’s image. He says the coalition has not dashed the hopes of the Gambian people. “We have not disappointed the people of Gambia. In fact we have rekindled the hope of Gambians. And we have no doubt that come October 2006, there will be one credible opposition candidate against Yahya Jammeh, and Jammeh will definitely be defeated.”
QUOTE END
vi. What prospects and benefits are available to Hamat Bah, NRP leader under NADD?
KOBO COMMENTS
I don't see benefits of Hamat Bah a vocal leader with a large following under NADDs alliance? Can anyone offer any advice to make him compromise with NADD in the event he lost the flag bearer and runner-up?
QUOTE ENDS
DBALDEH COMMENTS:
Uncle Kobo, I have been wanting to contact someone very close to Amat to offer him advice to rethink his position. I know Mathew Jallow was close to him back in his days. He seems to be one of the people supporting Amat's move towards UPD.
I have another uncle ex. Politician Buray Alpha Jawo residing in New York who is a close confidant of Amat. I have tried several times to speak to him but no success. I last spoke to him when he lost his mum (May her soul rest in Peace). Uncle Buray can definitely influence Amat's decision.
The fact here is that we must start to isolate this people and put have a serious dialogue with them. There is growing demand for them to drop any personal agendas and join the crusade. Amat Bah was very effective against Jammeh when he was in the house. Jammeh made several attempts to win him over without success. For the short period he became a politician, he played the game well, always backed his attacks with facts. However recent activities has swayed him away from his strongest weapon unity and NADD.
As for UPD supporters, my personal appeal to you all is to look at the big picture. Either now or five years to come, UPD has a better chance if the playing field is level. Level playing field cannot be ACHIEVED with Jammeh. Forget about that if that is our dream. Please speak to your silence executive which am sure is the influence behind Darboe. The likes of Amadou Sanneh must stand up and call to unity the UPD base.
The UPD has more to lose than any political party should Jammeh win. He will continue to arrest and prosecute its leaders. Darboe/sanneh/Nyassi etc. have suffered more than anyone else in Gambian politics in the hands of Jammeh. So will you all sit by and see that sweat evaporate? Or will you use your influence to finally bring to an end this unending dilemma?
Finally, I have lot of respect and admiration for UPD supporters like Yahya Darboe, Manding Darboe, Etc. I know you are level headed and very responsible citizens. Please lets rally our brother for the future of our country. I know you can do it and you have a moral duty to continue the fight together. I count on you today more than ever. Together we shall overcome.
Peace
QUOTE ENDS
KOBO COMMENTS:
dbaldeh I do appreciate your comments but don't see any specific position Ministerial or otherwise for Hamat to steer in the stewardship process post Election 2006 in event of victory for them.
QUOTE ENDS
TAALIBEH COMMENTS:
Of course Kobo. Hamat is very talented with a lot of experience in the tourism industry, he could handle that and many more ministerial posts such local government and land, external affairs, communications and many more and even finance.
QUOTE ENDS
KAANIBA COMMENTS:
The man called Hamat Bah should be given due credit for standing up, in challenge of the junta in the early stages. It was scary for us average Gambians to do so .Now that we have reached the stage of action to oust the usurping regime from the seat of power and from our path to freedom, we can only thank him and those others who did the same. Yet ,we most keep crying out loud for the opposition all included /no one left out in that domain to join hands in this endeavour. As the wollof say the stone may be very hard but if a multitude of people spit on it, it will be wet enough to break it apart. We most not relent, we shall not be moved just like the tree surrounded by the water we shall not be move, they are our leaders1 let them pay us heed.
QUOTE ENDS
KOBO COMMENTS:
In my opinion am optimistic that the sky is the limit for Hamat. The prospects for Hamat to fullfil his dreams as President or Vice President strategically works this way if a dynamic proper alliance exists and come Election 2006 they became victors. Under NADDs MoU the flag-bearer's mandate expires after five year period as the enabling environment would be nurtured for all political parties to contest for the Presidency. During the five year period his challenges are to boost his credibility and win public confidence to entrust him with more authority in Gambian politics. He should be envied because of his age and dynamic potentials (i.e. youngest and one of the most respected politicians at present), also to be one of the greatest statesman in Gambian politics. However national interest is more supreme and unique than personal aggrandizement or self gratification as a good citizen and patriot for your country.
QUOTE ENDS
KAANIBA COMMENTS:
As for NADD/and supporters do not make it difficult for the process of reconciliation difficult by throwing thorns on the path. It will only make them UDP/NRP chose another path. “BULLEN WENGAL GAALGUI”
Please let reason prevail I beg you all!
QUOTE ENDS
KOBO COMMENTS:
I don't think it is left to the people rather it is left to the leaders of the opposition parties who commands what the people wants and demands from them, to institute good leadership, sell the manifesto and implement the ideals. However some of them are playing a dangerous game to carry on with their large following and not allowing the MOU to be effective, a proper alliance to exist and rallying behind a united front with its flag bearer to prepare themselves to challenge the APRC in Election 2006 under one umbrella.
The alliance is a win, win situation. Unfortunately it seems that prospect is fading away as time has run out. What can be done to motivate them to work together before it’s too late and never again will such an opportunity come again, resulting in total failure, disgrace and disappointments ensued? Failure by the opposition parties on the general elections 2006 would be one of the most disgusting news to bear for most Gambians bear.
QUOTE ENDS
RAH COMMENTS:
It's a win, win situation. The bureaucracy too is getting out of hand. They can talk the talk, but can they walk the walk? Maybe! QUOTE ENDS
The Independent Electoral Council (IEC) and Voting System
On voting system of the Gambia, we need to thoroughly scrutinize the IEC, its mandate, modalities, systems, integrity, short-comings, resources, administration, management and conduct of elections. Is it properly constituted and given the "Independence" in compliance with the Constitution? Why does the President have discretion, total control to manipulate in terms of hire or fire its Chairman and members, likewise Alkalos, Chiefs, key players and other authoritative political figures administering the voting systems?
I believe there are many flaws ranging from issuing ID cards, processing of birth certificates and other national documents, Voter registration as screening process is not properly conducted with manipulations by Alkalos, Chiefs and supporters in of APRC are recruited clandestinely to exercise total control in the process, Voter transfers reviewed in favor APRC, amendments and updates of the Voter register, Integrity and Independence of IEC, allocation of media time and T.V. programs during campaigning and coverage of rallies, security and role of law enforcement ages biased and openly manifest their support to APRC, lack of proper protection of the opposition parties by interference of Commissioner of Police banning most of their rallies as not approved, blackmail prone of the IEC members to secure their positions and assured more benefits inter alias.
The Independent Electoral Council (IEC) are hand picked by Jammeh himself so that they could dance to his music. Any strategic position APRC want to snatch they used the IEC to undermine it by manipulation of the voter register with changes, transfers and updates and grant it to the APRC.
This exposed them as corrupt stooges of the regime and puts the integrity of the IEC into question to linger so far a dictator existed, lack of law and order as the law enforcement agencies and defenders of the Constitution are ineffective, incompetent, particularly corruption and biased on the side of ruling party.
TAALIBEH’S COMMENTS:
(After election date set 26th September, 2006)
It is pathetic, isn't it? There is no independent government body currently in the Gambia. Everything is for Jammeh and his interest. We are faced with a mammoth dilemma!
Worst Case Scenarios amongst other catalogue of Jammeh and APRC corruption, terror, tragedies, misrule and bad governance
The land of “Human Rights” is crying for human rights!!!
i. Jammeh’s Speech (on 10,0000 solidarity march)
Refer on details on “Bantaba” topic under
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=712
ii. Gambia: To kill All Jammeh’s Opponents (PART 1)?
Refer on details under
http://allafrica.com/stories/200606020438.html
iii. Gambia: To kill All Jammeh’s Opponents (PART 2)?
Refer on details under
http://allafrica.com/stories/200606020458.html
iv. Gambia: Jammeh Named National Press Freedom Predator
The Independent (Banjul)
OPINION
April 5, 2006
Posted to the web April 5, 2006
Baba Galleh Jallow
Washington, DC
At long last, Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh has been added to the infamous list of press freedom predators around the world. The international press freedom group, Reporters Without Borders, names Jammeh alongside such African despots as Libya's Muamar Ghadafi, Equatorial Guinea's Obiang Nguema, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, Eritrea's Issaias Afeworki, Rwanda's Paul Kagame, Swaziland's King Mswati III, and Tunisia's Zine Ben Ali.
Outside the continent, the list includes such dinosaurs as Cuba's Fidel Castro, China's Hu Jintao, Burma's Than Shwe, North Korea's Kim Jong-il, Syria's Bashar el-Assad, Laos' Khamtai Siphandon, and the Spanish terrorist group ETA.
The Gambia under Jammeh has seen the worst press freedom and human rights violations in the country's history. In the immediate aftermath of the July 1994 coup that brought Jammeh to power, almost all foreign journalists working in the country were arbitrarily arrested and deported without any charges. Among the victims of this early onslaught on press freedom in the country was veteran Liberian journalist and founder of the country's first independent daily, Kenneth Y. Best.
The arrests, detentions, and sometimes torture, of journalists by officers of the National Intelligence Agency - the secret police - have become a regular feature of Gambian life. On December 16, 2004, veteran Gambian journalist Deyda Hydara, editor of The Point newspaper and Banjul correspondent for Reporters Without Borders and Radio France International was brutally shot to death by suspected government thugs as he drove home from work Gun men in an unmarked Mercedes Benz cab drove parallel to Deyda's car, pumped five bullets into his chest and sped into the darkness.
The country has also seen a string of nocturnal arson attacks on private media houses such as Radio 1 FM and The Independent newspaper. The Independent newspaper alone has suffered at least three nocturnal arson attacks by suspected government thugs over the past three years. Last year, a new press belonging to the paper was burnt to ashes. Staff working at the press, who were forcibly locked in with the burning machine barely escaped with their lives. No arrests have ever been made against the perpetrators of any of these heinous crimes, including the murder of Deyda Hydara.
As at the time of writing, The Independent's General Manager Madi Ceesay, who is also the president of the Gambia Press Union, as well as its Editor-in-Chief Musa Saidykhan, remain locked up nine days after they were picked up by armed paramilitary officers. The paper's offices remain sealed and under heavy armed paramilitary guard. No charges have so far been brought against either the detained journalists or the paper, whose management is still at a loss as to the reasons for this latest onslaught. According to Gambian law, no person should be held for more than 72 hours without being charged with a crime. Also, no private property should be put under lock and key without the provision of a court order. No such order was produced to justify the closure of The Independent's offices on March 27, 2006.
The past few years have also seen the permanent closure of at least one private media house, Citizen FM radio and newspaper. Citizen FM radio was forcibly shut down on the spurious authority of a 1913 colonial law on the registration of media outlets. Observers believe that the widely popular radio station was shut down because it regularly interpreted the contents of newspapers in the local languages to the largely unschooled Gambian public. The Jammeh regime, which specializes in keeping people in the dark, hated the fact that Citizen FM was disseminating information critical of the government to large sections of the population who cannot read or write.
Since he seized power in a military coup in July 1994, Gambia's Yahya Jammeh has been a self-declared enemy of press freedom. He has been extremely scornful of human rights and assumes a monopoly on truth and knowledge that makes him particularly hostile to contrary views and opinions. He rules the Gambia like his personal fiefdom supported by an increasingly repressive and ubiquitous security apparatus and a never-ending pool of sycophants.
v. Speaker Bidwell cautions Secretaries of State
Do you want complacent politicians, a rubber stamp government and stewardship to continue?
Refer on details under
http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines882.htm
KOBO COMMENTS:
D day at Kombo East by-elections would have been a litmus test on this speech before general elections. However opportunism, greed, selfish rather than selfless, power struggle, ineffectiveness, tribalism, disorientation, corruption, lack of solidarity and spirit of patriotism, weak leadership and inept opposition political parties, lack of good strategy, lack of better visions, no common goals, disunity, disarray campaigning, blackmail and manipulation are be seen undermining the elections rather than the indicators of where Jammeh is leading Gambians from his speech, as a test of time.
QUOTE ENDS
SAB COMMENTS:
When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it always. Freedom & peace / sab
QUOTE END
Lessons to be learnt from the past, bad precedents, failures, bad policies, short-sightedness and milestones
i. THE GREY AREA OF NADD MOU
Salimina posted these comments expressing reservations:
I think NADD MOU is a disaster. How can such an elites of politicians signed for a document without looking for future implications? No doubt we are in a mess. Collectively it will be fairly easy to get rid of Mr. Jammeh. If I was part of the executive committee I will never resort to such short-sightedness. Why? Because the document sets a clear advantage (if not total) for any party whose member is selected as the flag bearer.
Since all major decisions are going to be decided by the executives, there is a tendency that political error will be minimal. So the leader definitely will do well.
I think the best policy document they can came-out with should have a clause that says `NADD leader has to be an outsider,’ i.e. someone well respected within the community both at home and Diaspora. That would create a level playing field after 5 years however successful the incumbent is and it will not have an effect on the future leadership contest.”
We all know how fragile a human mind is especially in the Gambian context. If NADD is elected and did wonders who is going to vote for UDP, NRP, APRC. No doubt they are in conflict with their own policy. They have seen their mistakes.
Before welding your “machetes” I can say that the burden of my argument, though it probably sounds untimely or radical to conventional opinion; is actually for being critical.
MOU is not a divine document but for a guidance. But if it doesn’t serve its purpose well we need to discard it and look for a better solution. They have to sacrifice and do whatever it takes to come out with another solution. Here is a problem that will put us back to another 5 years plus, if Mr. Jammeh wins again (which am sure in this climate currently). Why can’t they sit again and do something about this.” QUOTE END
JUSTICE SAM comments:
Greed is a major problem in African politics. Gambians are today witnessing the real politics of "Jangfa" with baseless excuses to play with the gallery. The truth shall prevail!!! QUOTE ENDS
MAPLE COMMENTS:
I have been dormant for a while with regards to postings on the forum. Maybe am lost for words to describe my frustration with the disintegration of NADD. I have long been waiting for the day that Gambian politician will mature, and try to put personal differences for the salvation of The Gambia from the APRC regime. Darboe a man I cherished truthfully let me down for backing out of NADD. Let our sentiment not drive us over but approach the whole issue with logic. Let’s be logical and put together ideas for the salvation of mother Gambia. Is Darboe leaving NADD the end of the road. According the man himself his deputy Yaya Jallow and Kemeseng Jammeh are still NADD executive and my question is on what capacity. is this telling us UDP is not wholly behind the actions of Darboe of what use can that be to NADD.
QUOTE ENDS
EBRA COMMENTS:
It’s time for me to voice my feelings. From my own perspective point of view, I agree with Darboe's resignation from NADD. My reasons are based on the playing ground of nomination of flag bearer of NADD, which was not fair based on the nomination process. There were many fighting against Darboe, some saying tribalism, opportunist, liar and all sort of names. That is not a mature debate. We should be able to back ourselves with reasonable and undoubtedly facts. If NADD had nominated Darboe to be the flag bearer, are we saying that NADD is a tribalism party, opportunist, lair, government back by PPP 100%? That is something I don't understand.
The presidency been the highest post in a nation, has to be rule by intelligent, smart, good leadership, educated, good moral, vocal, and would be there for the people. We fail to realize that the coming government shall be there for the development of the nation, and not just to unseat Yaya.
NADD have different political ideologies and the coalition can't simply work. Darboe's resigning from NADD and joining with Hamat shows the whole world that UDP is not "former PPP", or tribalism party. It would be very helpful for those saying UDP is tribalism party to search for the list of their executive commitee which comprises of all major tribes of Gambia. NRP and UDP are the largest opposition parties in the Gambia and their Joining will hopefully unseat Jammeh without (PPP, NDAM, PDOIS). The meeting of the UDP/NRP at Brikama revealed all the power struggle the failed politician OJ, Halifa, Waa (Niamina Dankunku's Adolf Mbarodi.... NDAM) were doing during the nomination process. We have seen tribalism been played, why did AMIE SALLAH and SAM SARR nominated Halifa when SEEDIA is there been the presidential candidate for PDOIS for decades likewise OJ who is also backed by his fellow Fula. Because of WAA, NADD will never succeed because he is like a grasshopper jumping from one party to another even during Jawara's time, him and his fellow Halifa plus OJ are all power hungry politicians who wanted to use Darboe, and Hamat to gain political favors. We will never accept that. Jammeh to remain power is better for Gambia than Halifa, OJ, or Waa
Long live NRP and UDP. QUOTE ENDS
REDEEMER COMMENTS:
Why can’t you people just for a second extend your reasoning beyond Darboe and wake up to the threat that we are facing in our country. It was due to the same lack of foresight and wisdom that saw the demise of sir Dawda and his PPP and am afraid the same ugly menace is surfacing in Gambian politics again. What a honey moon for President Jammeh, he must be wining and dining with the top echelon of APRC just because of greedy and power hungry Darboe. QUOTE ENDS
JANYANFARA COMMENTS:
The truth is with the economic situation in the Gambia today, every opposition are to see the plight of the poor voters not tribe because if hunger and hardship comes, it does not knock at one tribe's door. It knocks at all the tribes and parties including the APRC, UDP, NRP, PDOIS, PPP, NDAM, NCP and GPP. Wake up fellow Gambians. Stop castigating each other's tribes and think about the Gambia. QUOTE ENDS
AMNA COMMENTS:
If Lawyer Darbo the foremost constitutional lawyer in The Gambia cannot design an MoU that Yaya Jammeh can blow into pieces resulting in UDP, PDOIS and NRP losing their seats in the National Assembly, because they failed in the understanding that registering NADD with the IEC as a party or political association, would render them members in two parties, a constitutional NO, NO, then again, the same Darbo designed and signed on an MoU that he assured us would liberate us not only from Jammeh but future Jammeh “wanna bees” only to now claim it is inadequate. How can we trust and count on this guy?
SOMITA comments:
Its makes me wonder if these so call people ever think about the ordinary people they are purporting to represent. The truth shall set up all free, the contrary will enslave us all. QUOTE ENDS
Author’s comments:
NADD executive base including opposition party leaders respectively has the potential for flag-bearer. They were initially committed towards the united front and when reviewing, endorsing and/or implementing NADD MoU they should have properly took note of selecting the flag-bearer. I would recommend the flag-bearer be given the mandate to steer for the first term of about five years and then look about the possibility of bringing another in the next term. It is imminent for the alliance to be sustainable and have a reasonable life cycle or they go back to square one on rivalry, breach of confidence, double standards, greed, power struggle and undermining each other. One must lead and others follow; towards forming a dynamic democratic political party.
Furthermore their in-decisiveness, in-competence, in-consistencies, in-effectiveness and/or short-sightedness to take the right decisions, at the right time and right place for e.g. Supreme courts ruling on registering NADD pre-maturely made them lost three of their major seats for by-elections and got them arrested, detained and disorganized when they started gaining ground at the initial stages of negotiations on the strategic alliance.
QUOTE END
ii. Gambia: Mr. President, There Are Lessons to Be Learnt
An article in response to Jammeh’s Speech as a self-declared dictator!
Gambia: Mr. President, There Are Lessons to Be Learnt The Gambia Journal (Banjul)
OPINION
May 2, 2006
Posted to the web May 2, 2006
Faithful Mahoney
Your Excellency, your warning to your opponents during the '10,000 man march' on the 15 April that they have a long wait before you would 'hand over power' to them is indeed an interesting revelation of your intentions for this country. This not only sounds as if you have complete control of how Gambians should vote and who they should vote for, but you are also once again manifesting the inconsistencies of your pronouncements.
I am sure, like everyone else, you can fully remember what you said when you were appointed by your colleagues "soldiers with a difference" in 1994 as chairman of the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) that one of the reasons why you decided to take over the government was because ex-President Jawara over-stayed his welcome by remaining in power for about 30 years, and you promised that no leader of this country will ever again be allowed to remain in power for more than two terms of five years. In fact you also said that 10 years was even too long for anyone to remain in power. You indeed continuously kept on saying that you were not a politician but that you were there to correct the wrongs created by the PPP regime and hand over the country to the civilians. It is therefore quite interesting to hear you not only trying to justify your own decision to remain in power 12 years after, but also promising to remain in power for another 30 years.
However, the very fact that you doctored the draft constitution before you passed it to the people less than two days before the referendum and you not only reduced the recommended age limit for a presidential candidate from 40 years to only 30 in order to suit you, but you also removed the presidential term limit that was recommended in the draft, was a clear indication of your intentions to remain in power, despite all the noise you were making about not being a politician. All clever Gambians had known your intentions to remain in power well before 1996.
Therefore, Your Excellency, it appears that you have either forgotten that undertaking you solemnly made to the people of this country, or you have become so intoxicated with power that you have chosen to ignore it altogether. It is indeed very interesting to hear you say that your opponents have to wait for another 30 years before you would hand over the government to them. Do you really have the means to hand over the government to anyone of your choice or is it the people who should determine who it should be handed over to and when?
In the first place, it was really ironic that you had to mobilize the people to come out and condemn the coup against your regime when you also came to power through a coup. Isn't it contradictory? You were also heard trying to justify your own coup and condemning this one when time has proven that you came to power not to correct any ills of the society but that you just wanted to gain power and do even worse than what your predecessor did. Never in the history of The Gambia has this country been so polarized and the people subjected to such intimidation and harassment by agents of the regime as it is the case today.
Your Excellency, we are threading through a dangerous path as a nation and unless something is done quickly to arrest the situation, we are heading towards a similar situation to what happened in countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ivory Coast which resulted in fratricidal conflicts. Those conflicts started with arrogance on the part of the ruling clique, behaving like lords over the people and treating the ordinary people like thrash, exactly like what is presently going on with your administration.
Indeed, if you as head of state continue to behave like you conquered this country and it is your personal freedom rather than an elected head of state that can be voted out by the people, then we are heading for serious trouble. It is quite irresponsible to tell the people that you are not going to hand over power for the next 30 years as if you control who the people are going to vote for in the next presidential elections. Indeed you are already telling us that you intend to rig the elections in your favour, otherwise, it is hard for anyone to understand where you got the confidence that you are going to win the elections. Your Excellency, I wonder whether you are learning from the experiences of other heads of state in our sub-region who behaved arrogantly as you are behaving today but who ended up in a sorry state. Indeed there is no shortage of such examples in the sub-region. A recent good example is your friend Charles Taylor, and of course there was also his predecessor Samuel Doe, and your own very mentor and bank-roller General Sanni Abacha, who died a mysterious death. I wonder whether you also ever imagine yourself one fine day being in hand-cuffs like Charles Taylor, and not clutching your prayer beads and the sword, which have now come to be synonymous with oppression and arrogance by most people in The Gambia.
Please just take a moment and reflect on what can become of you and how those you are today oppressing and intimidating are going to treat you if they also have the chance. You certainly need to reverse the trend, otherwise, time is running out and the consequences can be grave for you and those who have agreed to be used by you to do your dirty work.
Good Day, Mr. President
Culled from alafrica.com
QUOTE END
BIRAAGO REPORT:
Junta leader speak against self-perpetuation
The Mauritanian military putchist President Ely Ould Mohamed Vall has incriminated last Saturday, in Nouakchott, the absence of change at the helm of African states as being as the bases of the chronic crisis affecting the continent.
“The absence of democratic alternative at the helm of many African countries were a person who just monopolize power and stay for 15, 20, 25 or 30 and in some cases 40 years is the conditions permit it is the origin of all the crisis the continent is experiencing”, he said. The president of the Military council for justice and democracy (CMJD) and head of State stated this view while addressing the population of Zouerate (900 km north of Nouakchott towards the Algerian border) as part of his nationwide tour.
Colonel Ely Ould Mohamed Vall, addressing the Mauritanian Information Agency underlined that a leader who stays in power for such a long time and not answerable to anyone and says that he will transfer power to a protegé of his choice when the time comes. (Such management of state affairs are the origin of military coups, caused by security factors, hatred among others), added the Mauritanian head of state, who himself was the leader of the coup d’état that overthrow the regime of President Maaouya Ould Taya.
In appealing in favour of of alternative to power and a radical rupture from the Mauritanian tradition (an attempt for a civilized) of transition of power during the 46 years of independence, the head of the Junta pleaded to the population for a massive “YES” vote in the upcoming referandum.
The new constitution has reduced the tenure of the presidency to a Two-mandate limit. The June referandum shall be followed by a general election that excludes the members of the junta and government ministers.
PANA
REPORT EXTRACTED END
KOBO COMMENTS:
Thanks Biraago. Just to cautioned that "history always repeats it self " and these are food of thoughts for any tyrant.
DEEW SAGAM COMMENTS ON TOPIXNET:
(Mo, Nothingham UK)
It is high time we all came to understand the fact that staging a coup will only take us back and no progress. Governments should only be removed by democratic means. I think political leaders failed us dismally by not being under a united front. So long as this state of affairs continued, Jammeh and his corrupt officials will continue the reign of terror and economic destruction in the Gambia. QUOTE ENDS
Author’s comments to address the nation:
“Gambia sunyu rew sopa negnla ndaah fee leygn judo”
Fellow Gambians and compatriots, I called upon you to mobilize ourselves in the spirit of patriotism and solidarity as the struggle continues. Don't sleep in slumber, degraded and enslaved by an individual and a corrupt system that all of us are guilty of allowing them to mature and growing from strength to strength because of greed, selfish reasons, power hungry, complacent and laisser-faire attitudes, day dreaming "Gambia no problem", disorientation, ignorance, traitors, paranoid, petrified and cowardice, You all know that you have one of the worst and weakest leaders of the century, who insults you, bullies you, maimed you, torture you, murder you, terrorizes you, uses your national assets for self-aggrandizement like his personal properties, corrupts and manipulates all machinations at his disposal. You have seen his last rites and declarations in this ruthless speech for his next agenda , which includes staying for another 30 years whether you like it or not!, more blacklists, murders and civil crises; on where he is leading Gambia towards a no man's land; May God forbid it, Ameen!.
Please let us unite UNDER ONE BANNER, ONE UNMBRELLA AND ALLY to allow a good leader break the vicious cycle and another mafia in Gambian politics in guise of Jammeh, APRC and certain elites enmeshed with greed and corruption.
What is your problem to make esteem sacrifices and deal with him, his tyranny and tenacity on power at all costs? You have another opportunity to unseat him with proper strategy, diplomatically and politically through the forthcoming general elections. Its never too late than never as time has already ran out for the general elections slated for Friday, 24th September 2006.
Written texts are texts for guidance only, but deeds are more prominent than politicking, talking, squabbles and other attempts to use others as scapegoats. Therefore deeds are demanded to arrest the situation. Action speaks louder than words!
The peoples’ voices are the peoples’ choice!
Don’t loose the plot this time! The ball is in your court!
iii. The Recent By-Elections
Dramatically from the recent by-elections, lessons are supposed to be learnt on events that unfolded ranging from: leveling the field, IEC corrects results, result statistics reflecting defeat for the opposition but victory for the people by popular votes, arrests and detentions of UDP/NRP supporters and ‘mighty?’ Yankuba Touray’s threats to close a police station if arrests and detentions are not made against certain opposition parties.
Refer on ‘Tale of missing 300 votes’ details under http://allafrica.com/stories/200605180061.html
SITASUNGO COMMENTS:
Any way, actions speaks louder than voices. I have said over and over that the opposition needs to come together as shown by the people of kombo East. Vast majority of the kombo East people have shown the APRC government that the country is not governed as they wished. Thus putting the opposition votes together, they have disapproved overwhelmingly the government by 558 votes. QUOTE ENDS
KONDORONG COMMENTS:
It is anyone's guess. Right now with a divided opposition, they have no clout to bear any pressure. Unity is strength. I believe it is the shock of the opposition disunity. People are no longer motivated to vote. The spirits are low and my guess is the same trend will follow in November.
QUOTE ENDS
KAANIBAA COMMENTS:
A fractured opposition is a weak one and if they join hands they together can face the hurdle. It would be difficult for the incumbent government to score better against this force then it would against a disorganized attack; I mean at a general election. They are soldiers and if you think a haphazard move will succeed you have a big think coming bro Ousainou. Think again the picture is bigger than you want to put it. Yes you did talk about Saloum and Kombo East scenarios. One would have thought the latter result is a better scanner of what lies ahead and it indeed indicated to all and sundry that the opposition did get more votes in Kombo East but those votes were catastrophically wasted. We do not want any collateral vote wastage as they would only help the incumbent.
QUOTE ENDS
Author’s comments on the IEC and Law Enforcement Agencies:
Like I said before about integrity, blackmail, manipulation, incompetence and independence of the IEC they are now seen to exist and demonstrating some of the weaknesses of the electoral system. Several arrests and detentions of citizens exercising their democratic rights were seen openly inter alias. These are causes for complains and not free and fair in total and results not reliable but very useful to the opposition in their strategic plans.
TIME HAS RUN OUT?
Press release!
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced the date of the presidential election, bringing it forward to Friday the 24th September 2006. This announcement was made on Friday 2nd June 2006 by the GRTS radio on its 18.00 hrs news broadcast.
The IEC explains the change from the month of October because that month, this year, coincides with the Muslim month of Ramadan. Political analysts here note that the move will favor the incumbent President Yahya Jammeh because the opposition parties have been lagging far behind in preparation for the elections.
Also, there will be hardly any time for campaign because of the coming farming season, which will keep most Gambians busy out on the fields. Others added that the coming International Roots Festival, closely followed by the AU Summit and the July 22nd celebrations will focus extra media attention on the incumbent President Jammeh and his ruling party.
Refer on details under http://allafrica.com/stories/200606050168.html
And
Refer on the Point newspaper report under http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines885.htm
WHICH WAYS FORWARD ONCE AGAIN AND THE LAST ORDERS?
With all the energy and resources invested to seek solutions and make progress, why are we still at crossroads? What is the way forward? From this background information extending discussions further would include the following proposals:
PROPOSALS
I. To start on this document as blue print and the basis for your consideration to lay the diplomatic and political strategy to seek the solutions and mobilize all your efforts and resources together UNDER A UNITED FRONT for the way forward in the spirit of reconciliation and national duty.
II. To extend olive branches to each other by any form of communications (formal or informal) and find out from each other whether a similar document has been received and acknowledge as genuine comments to chart new courses of action and political order. It’s advisable for party leaders to phone each other and communicate about the document received. They should decide for themselves which dates (for 2 - 3 days) that they need to deal with it internally.
III. The Executive members and selected few of stalwarts amongst supporters invited for a high level meeting by each party and given at least 2 – 3 days to consider them internally and decide their new outlook, strategies and define specific periods to finalize all preparations and re-negotiations together within 2 weeks no later than 20th June 2006.
IV. After that period each party leader should communicate to the other about the outcome, new resolutions and mandates granted briefly on the phone.
V. Within the two week period; Identify other suitable specific dates (at least 2 – 3 days) to sanctioned together (an all opposition alliance) general seminar and workshop on this document amongst others to accommodate at least 10 – 20 delegates (high power representatives) from each area based on the region, zones and constituencies on electoral register.
VI. Prepare agenda format(s) for the seminar and workshop for the way forward. However the following are suggested: Supreme trustees comprised from at least 4 – 5 Executive members including the party leaders involved in selection process for flag bearer and runner-up, MoU, what to improve upon and needs to re-negotiate, selection of candidates to contest in all constituencies (to allow only one candidate to represent the alliance), de-centralization of campaign strategies based on the popularity of their bases respectively, leadership, authority, networking and communication lines to a central base of the alliance.
VII. Use the SWOT analysis (a highly effective management tool) to identify these as yours:
a. STRENGTHS
b. WEAKNESSES
c. THREATS
d. OPPORTUNITIES
VIII. Having assessed the critical situations and document them to know the challenges, the alternative is to make serious efforts to achieve progress.
IX. Give due attention on b. Weaknesses and c. Threats to address them properly and strategically. There are evident weaknesses and disadvantages in the competition for influencing voter market share with the incumbent and other political rivals. A number of threats may be beyond influence to deal with.
X. Prepare new binding protocols and mutual agreements, signed, sealed and delivered to implement your political strategies immediately.
XI. Congratulate each other on your rapid success to translate them into victory on election day. “In saa Allah!” amen! Wasaalam!
Dedicated to Gambia! Long live sunu rew!
The job has been accomplished already through this open “Bantaba” fora by simple compilation and collation from various sources of information posted and gathered together, our ideas and opinions on them. Now we want you know about them, convince you to respect our opinions and demand from you to act and implement our resolutions immediately.
Now we demand deeds from them rather than foot dragging, talking and politicking
Time is running out and we need to be effective to make our voices and opinions have great impact and resounding success on Election 2006 for PEACE, PROGRESS, PROSPERITY, STABILITY, FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY AND MORE VIBRANT GAMBIA, COME POST ELECTION 2006 AND VICTORY FOR THEM, MASSES AND THE COMMON PEOPLES’ IN THE STRUGGLE TO SAVE THE GAMBIA DEMOCRACY PROJECT.
In the name of ALLAH the ALMIGHTY and MOST POWERFUL! I pray for all to listen to these words for guidance in our current political arena and take wisdom and emancipation from them.
GOD BLESSED THE GAMBIA!
LONG LIVE PEACE, PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY!
AMEEN!
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